Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar.The Punjab government has unveiled a major agricultural relief initiative aimed at empowering farmers and boosting rural development. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that free state land will be provided to peasants under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme, starting from April 2026.
The announcement is being viewed as a landmark step toward strengthening the agricultural sector and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to underprivileged farmers across Punjab.
Free Land Distribution to Begin in April
According to the chief minister, the free land scheme will officially launch in April, with cultivable government land being leased to eligible farmers for a period of 10 years. Each beneficiary will receive up to five acres of land free of cost, and no lease payments will be required.
This initiative aims to remove financial barriers that prevent small farmers and landless peasants from entering agriculture. By providing land without rent or ownership costs, the government hopes to create new opportunities for income generation in rural areas.
Financial Support for Farmers
In addition to land distribution, the Punjab government has confirmed that financial assistance will also be provided to beneficiaries. This support will help farmers purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs required to start cultivation immediately.
Officials believe that providing both land and financial aid will ensure that farmers can quickly become productive and contribute to the province’s agricultural output. The program is designed to increase crop production while improving the overall rural economy.
Initial Announcement and Land Allocation Details
The “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” initiative was first announced on February 4 during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s address at the inauguration ceremony of an electric bus service in Rajanpur.
At the time, she revealed that approximately 250,000 acres of government land would be distributed among deserving individuals, particularly those from low-income and landless backgrounds. The government is expected to finalize eligibility criteria and ensure transparency in the allocation process.
Detailed guidelines, including the application procedure and selection criteria, are expected to be released soon to facilitate public participation.
Focus on Supporting Underprivileged Farmers
The primary target of the scheme is underprivileged farmers who lack access to cultivable land. By prioritizing landless peasants, the Punjab government aims to reduce rural poverty and provide long-term economic stability to vulnerable communities.
Agriculture remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s economy, and policymakers believe that empowering small farmers will lead to broader economic growth. The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts to promote inclusive development and reduce inequality in rural regions.
Green Tractor Programme Phase-III Launched
Separately, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also addressed the launch ceremony of the Green Tractor Programme Phase-III, where she formally initiated the balloting process and congratulated successful farmers.
During her speech, she highlighted that while only 20,000 tractors were distributed over the past 25 years, her government has provided 31,000 tractors within just two years, setting a new benchmark in agricultural support.
The Green Tractor Scheme aims to provide modern farming equipment at subsidized rates, enabling farmers to adopt mechanized agriculture and improve efficiency.
Personal Interaction with Farmers
In a notable moment during the ceremony, the chief minister personally contacted selected farmers to inform them of their success in the tractor draw. One such farmer was Hamza Liaquat from Bahawalpur, whom she congratulated during the event.
This direct interaction was widely appreciated and seen as a gesture of accessibility and commitment toward farmers. It also highlighted the government’s intention to maintain transparency and public engagement in welfare programs.
Impact on Agricultural Productivity
The Punjab government believes that initiatives like free land distribution and the Green Tractor Scheme will significantly improve agricultural productivity. Providing land, machinery, and financial support is expected to help farmers adopt modern techniques and increase crop yields.
Experts suggest that improved productivity will not only benefit farmers but also strengthen food security and stabilize agricultural markets. Enhanced output could also lead to better export potential and economic growth for the province.
Government Vision for Agriculture
Maryam Nawaz reiterated that her government is committed to farmer-friendly policies and will continue to prioritize agricultural development. She emphasized that empowering farmers is essential for economic stability and long-term progress.
The chief minister also reaffirmed that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz remains dedicated to introducing initiatives that uplift rural communities and modernize the agriculture sector.
Conclusion
The launch of the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme marks a significant step toward transforming agriculture in Punjab. By providing free land, financial support, and modern machinery, the government aims to empower farmers and promote sustainable rural development.
