The Punjab government has launched a major initiative to support landless farmers across the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz officially inaugurated the program during a ceremony in Lahore. The scheme aims to improve rural livelihoods by providing farmland and financial assistance to deserving families.
Under the new project, Punjab will distribute 121,000 acres of state-owned cultivable land to 30,000 eligible families. Each selected family will receive a four-acre agricultural plot on a long-term lease. The annual lease fee has been fixed at only Rs100.
The initiative is being introduced under the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” scheme. The government says the project will help families who do not own farmland start agricultural activities. Officials believe the program will also increase the productive use of vacant government land.
In addition to the land allotment, each successful family will receive Rs200,000 in financial support. The funds are intended to help beneficiaries purchase seeds, fertilizers, farming tools, and other essential agricultural inputs. This assistance is expected to reduce the financial burden during the early stages of cultivation.
The computerized balloting ceremony was held in Lahore to ensure a transparent selection process. According to official figures, the government received more than 60,000 applications from across the province. Around 11,000 of these applications were submitted by women, showing strong interest in the program.
Officials said the entire selection process was conducted on merit. The Chief Minister stated that no political influence or favoritism was allowed during the allotment. She emphasized that every applicant was given an equal opportunity through the computerized system.
Successful applicants will receive their allotment letters within one week. The government has announced that physical possession of the land will be handed over by July 31. Authorities have been directed to complete the process according to the announced timeline.
The Punjab government believes the initiative will strengthen the province’s agriculture sector. Bringing unused state-owned land under cultivation is expected to increase agricultural production and create more employment opportunities in rural areas.
Officials also say the program supports social welfare by helping low-income families become financially independent. Access to farmland and financial assistance can provide long-term income opportunities for thousands of households.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the project reflects the government’s commitment to social justice and rural development. She added that empowering farmers remains an important priority for the provincial administration.
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The government expects the initiative to improve agricultural productivity while supporting economic growth in rural communities. Officials say continued monitoring will help ensure the program achieves its goals and delivers lasting benefits to farming families across Punjab.
