Dr. Vinesh Kumar, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, emphasized the urgent need for land tenure reform and security as central to the long-term viability of Fiji’s sugar industry and the agricultural sector at large. Addressing attendees at the 2025 Attorney-General’s Conference, themed “Economic Balance, Lease Renewals, and Native Land Rights: Aligning State Interests with Community Prosperity,” he highlighted the sugar industry as a fundamental support for the rural economy, providing livelihoods for over 10,000 growers across Fiji’s Western and Northern Divisions.
Despite its critical role in generating foreign exchange and maintaining rural stability, Dr. Kumar raised alarms about a concerning drop in sugar production, which plummeted from nearly 3 million tonnes in 2005 to a mere 1.33 million tonnes in 2024. The challenges impacting the sugar sector have broadened beyond traditional agricultural practices to encompass significant land administration issues.
The expiration of agricultural leases, insecurity surrounding land tenure, a growing amount of underutilized or abandoned farmland, and the adverse effects of climate change have all emerged as serious challenges. Dr. Kumar noted that these factors are now linked with broader macroeconomic issues that jeopardize national productivity and rural livelihoods, raising concerns for the industry’s sustained resilience.
He affirmed the vital importance of native land in Fiji, which makes up more than 90% of the country’s land mass and is central to the cultural identity of the iTaukei people. While ensuring the protection of land ownership is critical, Dr. Kumar highlighted the need for productive use of native land. Achieving this will require equitable leasing practices and the implementation of modern legal frameworks that provide clarity and stability.
In response to these challenges, Dr. Kumar suggested that Fiji has a prime opportunity to adopt global best practices that safeguard indigenous land systems while simultaneously promoting sustainable economic growth. By harmonizing the interests of landowning communities with the nation’s development objectives, Fiji can bolster economic prospects and enhance the welfare of communities within the agricultural sector. This proactive approach may pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous future for Fiji’s sugar industry.