More than half of sugarcane farm leases across Fiji have now been renewed, with Government efforts beginning to show results, Parliament heard on Friday.
Minister for Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna said 2,362 leases had been processed across sugar-producing regions, with 56 per cent — or 1,128 holdings — successfully renewed.
“I am pleased to report that efforts are bearing fruit,” he said.
The Southwest region of Nadi and Sigatoka recorded the highest progress, with 89 per cent of leases renewed, while the Northern Division stands at 70 per cent.
However, Mr Tunabuna acknowledged slower progress in the Northwest corridor from Lautoka to Rakiraki, where renewals are at 23 per cent.
“In the Northwest… 88 per cent of leases — this is 415 holdings — are at various stages of inspection and consultation. This is not a sign of stagnation, but a sign of due diligence,” he said.
“These consultations are vital to ensuring that the interests of both the tenant and the landowners are harmonised before documentation is made official.”
The Minister identified the cost of premium fees as a major obstacle for growers seeking lease renewals.
“The primary barrier to lease renewal has historically been the financial burden of the premium fees,” he said.
“This Government has decided that the cost of land security should not be a barrier to national production.”
To address this, Government has introduced financial support measures through the Sugarcane Growers Fund.
“The Government provides a direct grant of 30 per cent of the premium fees, up to a maximum of $7,500 per grower,” Mr Tunabuna said.
“To cover the remaining balance, the Sugarcane Growers Fund offers loans at a highly concessional and competitive interest rate of 3.99 per cent.”
He added that farmers would also have the flexibility to pay in cash or seek additional funding from other institutions.
Mr Tunabuna stressed that resolving land lease issues requires coordinated action across Government.
“Land issues are complex and require a whole-of-Government approach… We cannot work in isolation,” he said.
He confirmed that the Ministry is working with other agencies to address bottlenecks and challenges in the lease renewal process.
