NATIVE landowners choosing to convert their land for commercial purposes instead of renewing agricultural leases cannot be avoided, says Sugar Cane Growers Fund CEO Raj Sharma.
Appearing on The Lens@177, Mr Sharma said this was highlighted during discussions on native land lease renewals with the iTaukei Lands Trust Board officials.
“I think this a challenge for us, and this cannot be avoided,” Mr Sharma said.
“We took it to the authorities, TLTB.
“We have spoken to them, and even with the Lands Department but mostly to do with the native leases.
“They intend to take it after their lease term expired for the maximum income for the land owners.”
He said landowners do not receive a lot of income with agriculture leases.
“But we have been pursuing them to retain the good land area in the event these farmers are not given that land and obviously they will get the 99 year residential lot.
“But we have been asking TLTB that they should be given a substitute land for agriculture purposes.”
Mr Shama added discussions have turned up with both positive and negative results.
“There were a number of leases where the land owners have said, no, they have gone ahead.
“(For others) we sat down together with TLTB and the leases have been renewed.
“And I must thank TLTB for that and that we have a very good relationship with them.”
