The iTaukei Land Trust Board is optimistic of reviving the agricultural sector through the renewal of land leases.

But for those farmers who want to get their land leases back or want to lease a piece of land, there is a criteria that you will now have to follow.

TLTB General Manager, Alipate Qeitaki says the committee had managed to extend 80 percent of extension in land leases and will revive the agriculture sector as we look forward to the New Year.

“This is an area that has been lacking behind and the country needs farmers. Farmers who are secured with their land tenure so that they can cultivate the land.”

Qeitaki adds this will augur well with the sugar industry as it tries to increase its sugar export while landowners will get to benefit as well.

“I am glad that we have managed to live up to expectations of govenment. Landowners will also get to earn money out of this rent subsidy scheme this is incentive to landowners to agree to the land leases.”

Unlike the past where there has been wastage of land that were not cultivated for agricultural purposes, this time around farmers will be assessed as to how they will utilise the land leased to them.