There is some relief for those holding State Agriculture land leases as the interim cabinet has decided to grant an amnesty period of 12 months for all overdue rent payments.

The amnesty period will include overdue rent prior to December 31st 2008 as well as the rental due in 2009.

Cabinet has also decided that all interests due on outstanding arrears owed by the Agriculture state land leases as at December 31st 2008 will also be waived.

The decision is based on the recognition of the devastating impact of the recent floods on the farmers and the economic downturn being experienced in the country.

Interim Minister for Lands Netani Sukanaivalu told cabinet that there are at least 4,963 lessee's on state agriculture land distributed around the country, of which 3,421 owe outstanding rentals as at December last year.