Landowning units in the Northern division are close to putting pen to paper to renew expired land leases in the cane belt area, in Labasa.

The Committee on Better Utilization of Land and the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB), have been working together to negotiate with landowners on the renewal of expired land leases, which over the years has seen hundreds of sugar cane farmers exiting the industry and moving to Viti Levu in search of work.

NLTB General Manager Alipate Qetaki said they are also in the process of appointing special officers to get the necessary paper work in order, before a report is presented to government.