Punjab Launches ‘Apna Khet Apna Rozgar’ Scheme to Support Landless Families

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the launch of the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” scheme, under which eligible landless families will receive up to four acres of agricultural land on a 20-year free lease. Speaking at the launch ceremony, she said the initiative is aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods to families that do not own agricultural land and described it as a major step toward economic empowerment.

Under the scheme, the provincial government will provide financial assistance of Rs50,000 per acre for land preparation, amounting to Rs200,000 for four acres, along with technical support for cultivation. Maryam Nawaz said the program is designed to help beneficiaries begin farming without relying on outside financial assistance, adding that women are also playing an increasing role in Punjab’s agricultural sector.

The chief minister said the first phase of the initiative would benefit 30,000 families, with additional applicants expected to be included in future phases. She added that the scheme would strengthen the agricultural sector while creating long-term assets for low-income households, and said Punjab had become the first province to make government-owned agricultural land available to eligible citizens under such a program.