The Native Land Trust Board has rejected the report by Indian Consultant Dr. M. Krishnamurthi on the rehabilitation of the sugar industry, in which he proposes that all native lands be de-reserved.
NLTB Spokesperson Ro Alipate Mataitini confirmed to Village news that the report has been sent back to Interim Sugar Minister Mahendra Chaudhry as the board feels that further in-depth studies are needed. He stressed that none of the recommendations will be taken onboard.
Matainiti also revealed that the NLTB Board believes that the proposal by the Chinese delegation, currently in the country, to set up a plant to produce ethanol from cassava as a more viable option to explore at this stage.
Interim Sugar Minister Mahendra Chaudhry could not be reached for a comment. 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 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 are a minimum of 75 years.
NLTB rejects report by consultant
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