TLTB Says Rice Farm Lease Renewals in Bua Not Being Widely Rejected

The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has dismissed claims of widespread non-renewal of rice farm leases in Korokadi, Bua, saying the reports do not reflect the actual status of lease renewals in the area.

The clarification follows a media report on September 9, 2026, regarding agricultural leases in Korokadi.

The review found that there are 41 Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA) leases in Korokadi, with only five scheduled to expire between 2025 and 2035.

The Board said consultations were held in 2025 with the affected landowning units, Mataqali Raraelevu and Mataqali Tikinaicake of Votua Village, to establish their position on the lease renewals.

Of the five leases due to expire, four have received landowner consent for renewal.

One lease was not approved for renewal because of alleged non-compliance with its lease conditions, including non-cultivation of the land and outstanding lease arrears.

TLTB said the figures demonstrate that there is no widespread rejection of lease renewals in Korokadi, with 80 percent of the leases due to expire between 2025 and 2035 already receiving consent for renewal.

The Board said decisions not to renew leases are based on legitimate factors, including whether tenants have complied with their contractual obligations.

TLTB has encouraged agricultural tenants to maintain communication with the Board and ensure they comply with their lease conditions.

It said it remains committed to a fair, transparent and consultative lease renewal process that recognises the interests of both iTaukei landowners and tenants.