THERE is a need to fully support the sugar industry because it earns a substantial amount of money for the country.
And the government should step in and identify ways to boost the industry.
Labasa resident Joseph Chand, in his submission on Thursday, said available idle land should be given to farmers to plant more sugarcane.
"Many farmers have turned away from sugarcane farming and ventured into other income-generating projects because their leases have expired," Mr Chand said.
"It's only wise that landowners offer their land for farming because it will not only benefit themselves but the country as a whole."
Mr Chand said the new constitution should allow the issuance of idle land to people who want to cultivate it for their own use and for commercial purposes.
He said any person who was willing to do social work as a Justice of Peace or a Commissioner of Oath should not receive money as had been the practice in some places.
"Pastors should also be allowed to practise such social work for the purpose of helping other people," he said.