The Ministry for iTaukei Affairs has refuted claims made by the Minister for Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh about farmers being harassed by the iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) officers.
At the Annual Farmers Open Day in Labasa on Saturday, the Sugar Minister mentioned that he received complaints that farmers were being told their land leases would not be renewed.
He criticised iTLTB and warned that anyone causing problems or being dishonest with farmers would be reported to the relevant authorities.
In response, the Minister for iTaukei Affairs and Chairman of iTLTB, Ifereimi Vasu says these comments have caused unnecessary confusion and concern.
He denied the claims, saying it is false that iTLTB officers are advising tenants their leases won't be renewed.
Vasu stressed the importance of land to the iTaukei people, saying public statements about it must be accurate, responsible, and made with care.
He adds that spreading false information could damage trust, create unnecessary worry, and hinder respectful dialogue between landowners and tenants.
The Minister clarified that the government asked iTLTB to inform agricultural leaseholders ten years in advance whether their leases will be renewed, altered, or not renewed.
He says this policy is to give tenants time to prepare and make informed decisions.
Vasu explained that lease renewal decisions depend on clear factors, including unpaid rent, how well the land is being used, landowners needing the land for their own purposes, or if the land is intended for development like business, housing, or tourism.
Since 2022, iTLTB has held multiple consultations with landowners and tenants to improve understanding and awareness.
Vasu emphasised that the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA) does not guarantee lease renewals - the goal is to strike a balance between the rights of landowners to reclaim their land and the need to keep tenants well-informed.
He says between 2020 and 2024, 798 leases expired - of these, 313 were renewed, 191 returned to landowners, and 30 repurposed for development.
He adds that 3,834 leases are set to expire between 2025 and 2035, with 166 already renewed, 162 returned to landowners, and 20 repurposed for other uses.
The Minister also highlighted the ongoing disadvantage faced by landowners under the current rental structure, where they receive only 6 percent of the Unimproved Capital Value (UCV), a figure that hasn't been reviewed since 2011, despite the legal requirement to do so every five years.
He says the government is now reviewing the UCV schedule to address this inequity.
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