Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that free state land will be provided to peasants beginning in April under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” initiative, marking a major step to strengthen the province’s agricultural sector.
In a statement, the chief minister said all cultivable government land across Punjab will be leased to peasants for 10 years. Each eligible beneficiary will receive up to five acres free of charge. No lease payments will be collected.
She added that farmers will also receive financial assistance along with the land to help them immediately begin cultivation. The initiative aims to increase agricultural productivity and support the rural economy.
The scheme was first announced on February 4 during her address at the inauguration ceremony of an electric bus service in Rajanpur. At the time, she said approximately 250,000 acres of land would be distributed among deserving and underprivileged individuals.
Detailed guidelines and the application process are expected to be released soon.
Separately, speaking at the launch ceremony of the CM Green Tractor Programme Phase-III, the chief minister formally initiated the balloting process and congratulated successful farmers.
She said that while 20,000 tractors were distributed over the past 25 years, her government has provided 31,000 tractors in just two years, setting a new record.
During the ceremony, she personally called selected farmers, including Hamza Liaquat from Bahawalpur, to inform him of his success in the draw.
The chief minister said the Green Tractor Scheme is transforming Punjab’s agricultural landscape, adding that providing modern machinery will significantly improve crop yields. She reaffirmed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz remains committed to farmer-friendly policies and will continue prioritizing agricultural development.