Ministries collaborate

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo stated that approximately 1500 sugarcane farmers hold farms on state land.

Minister Vosarogo noted: "The Ministry of Lands, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sugar, provides and administers approximately 1500 active sugarcane farm leases across Fiji. These leases are subject to legal conditions to ensure the land is utilized most efficiently, maximizing its agricultural potential."

The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources is working closely with the Ministry of Sugar to address the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers, particularly concerning land lease issues and lease payments. To further strengthen collaboration with the sugar industry, the ministry has also established a working group with other relevant departments.

Minister Vosarogo stated, "In 2023, a working group was established, with the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources identified as a member." The working group consists of officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, and the iTaukei Land Trust Board.

During the establishment of the working group, the Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, indicated that the team would develop strategic proposals to seek long-term solutions to these land lease issues.