Update: 11:18AM A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MoU) that will provide the framework for coordination and data sharing was signed between Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture and the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB).

The agreement was signed earlier in the week by permanent
secretary for the Agriculture Ministry Jitendra Singh and TLTB director Ro
Epeli Mataitini.

The agreement stamps a joint cooperation, coordinaton and
sharing information on issues relating to the management and administration of
iTaukei lands and agriculture.

Mr Singh said both the TLTB and the ministry were
important stakeholders in Fiji’s agriculture industry as proponents for
agricultural development.

Through the agreement, he said both institutions would
now be able to share information and avoid duplication where possible.

Noting the ministry’s prioritisation of the incorporation
of sustainable land management practices in the lease agreements, Mr Singh said: “This is an area where the MoA will be able to provide its contribution and
input to ensure that people use the land sustainably in the long run”.

TLTB general manager Tevita Kuruvakadua said the MoU
provided a platform for the two agencies to share information and synergise
available resources, expertise and advice towards the attainment of their
statutory roles and obligations. 

“We share a lot in common with the MoA in terms
of the services that we provide to our stakeholders, in particular how we can
work together to fulfil the provisions of the agriculture policy, and at the
same time enhance the land management services that the TLTB provides to its
tenants and the landowners,” Mr Kuruvakadua said.

“This MoU will also allow us to share data required to formulate a good land
use plan.”

A working committee comprising senior officials from both institutions will be
established to provide quarterly reports on the developments and information
under this agreement.