Good news for the 218 farmers in Fiji as their lease payment and lease arrears are now cleared out after the government approved the provision of $1.22 million during their first cabinet meeting of the year.
The government says this assistance will boost the sugar and non-sugar sector’s long-term viability and sustainability.
They say it will also encourage farmers to continue farming, and thereby discourage rural-to-urban migration.
The government further says sustainable practices and diversification are necessary for the agriculture sector's resilience beyond such short-term assistance.
The Cabinet has also directed the Ministry of Finance to further assess the renewal of 1,780 TLTB leases that will be expiring from 2023-2030 and propose necessary lease premium initiatives in the 2024-2025 budget, including the lease rental arrears of 218 farmers.
They also highlighted that technological advancements and innovative farming practices will also enhance the efficiency of cane farming.
They add the task force was formed in September 2023 to deal with issues regarding land leases, renewals and land premiums for sugar and non-sugar agricultural land.
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