Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart says an offer to sell leased farmland to producers is not a money grab.

The NDP says the government is giving farmers an ultimatum and they're upset about being forced to either buy the land or pay higher rent.

Stewart says the Saskatchewan Party campaigned on selling occupied agricultural Crown land in 2007, because the party believes it's better to have the land in the hands of farmers or ranchers.

The government told farmers last week that they'll get a 15 per cent discount if they buy property they are currently leasing between now and March 31st. The discounts falls to 10 per cent for the remainder of 2016 and five per cent the following year.

If farmers don't buy the land, lease rates are to increase by 15 per cent next year and 30 per cent in 2017.