Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the successful applicants for the Apna Khet Apna Rozgar Scheme, describing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening the province’s agricultural sector and creating new livelihood opportunities.
Speaking at the ballot ceremony, the Chief Minister personally drew the successful names and congratulated one of the winners during a phone call, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting aspiring farmers.
Under the scheme, successful applicants will receive four acres of agricultural land on a 20-year lease, along with financial assistance of Rs200,000 to help them begin farming. The government said that all crops grown on the allocated land, and the income generated from them, will belong entirely to the farmers.
According to the Chief Minister, the programme attracted around 30,000 applications, with beneficiaries selected through a transparent ballot conducted strictly on merit.
Maryam Nawaz said the initiative is designed to empower farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and encourage greater participation in the farming sector. In addition to the start-up grant, participants will receive Rs50,000 per acre to prepare the land for cultivation, enabling them to begin farming more effectively.
She added that any government-owned cultivable land identified in the future would also be distributed among deserving individuals. New farmers will also be provided with technical guidance and agricultural support to help them develop sustainable farming operations.
The Punjab government says it is the first province in Pakistan to introduce a programme of this kind, using state-owned agricultural land to create employment opportunities and support rural economic development.
