As a number of criticisms have been leveled against the interim government for considering the proposal from an Indian consultant to de-reserve all the native land to revive the sugar industry, Interim Finance and Sugar Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has today stressed that the Native Land Trust Board and the landowners will have the final say on the proposal.
In an exclusive interview with Village News, Chaudhry said he will not politicise the issue as the landowners will be the ones who will decide on the future arrangements for native land.
Although NLTB is considering the proposal Chaudhry said there are real benefits for the indigenous Fijian landowners.
Chaudhry also said critics should stop saying that he is behind the proposal to de-reserve the native land.
The report by the consultant from India, Doctor M Krishnamurti to the Sugar Ministry, has recommended all native land be de-reserved. The native reserve is the land set aside for each mataqali for its planting and to support the landowning unit's needs.
The reserved land is not to be leased out as it is arable land for the mataqali's needs.
Doctor Krishnamurti's report has recommended that the 4 hectare lots for cane farming are uneconomical and 40 to 400 hectare farms are more viable. He also recommends that all investments on the proposed farms be carried out by the lessee and the lease terms be a minimum of 75 years.
NLTB spokesperson, Ro Alipate Mataitini said while the report is just a proposal which will be discussed by the newly formed Committee for Better Utilisation of Land, the NLTB makes it very clear that no native land can be de-reserved without the consent of majority of the landowners.
Acting Interim Prime Minister, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the issue will be discussed in the next cabinet meeting
Chaudhry Stresses Non-Involvement in Proposal
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p