The Lands Ministry is making special arrangements to help about two hundred cane farmers renew their leases.

Lands Minister Mereseini Vuniwaqa says this is necessary to further boost the industry.

The two hundred State leases are spread over the Western and Northern Division – most have expired because farmers haven’t been up to date with rent.

Minister Mere Vuniwaqa says they’re going out of their way to ensure that these tenants are able to continue farming and further boost sugar production.

“This will assist the farmers to take advantage of the current amnesty period for payment of interest on lease arrears this will give them certainty of land tenure ahead of the new sugar cane planting season.”

Vuniwaqa says the Ministry has also eased restrictions on the number of agricultural leases a farmer can hold.

Vuniwaqa highlighted that long term leases now give farmers the confidence to invest more in their farms and contribute to our economy.

The ministry’s initiatives will continue in 2016 with new reforms expected to be announced in the budget.