The Punjab government has launched a new digital system for the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme to support landless and unemployed people in rural areas. This programme has been introduced under a large investment of Rs160 billion and was officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The main idea is to help poor families become self-reliant by giving them land for farming and financial support to start agriculture work.
Under this scheme, eligible applicants will be given 3 to 5 acres of government land on a 10-year free lease. This means they can use the land for farming without paying any lease charges, but they will not own it permanently. Along with land, selected farmers will also receive a one-time development grant ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs250,000 per acre. This money is meant to help them buy seeds, fertilisers, tools, and other basic farming needs. The programme is expected to benefit more than 189,000 families across Punjab, especially in underdeveloped areas like Cholistan, where job opportunities are limited.
The registration process will officially start from May 2, 2026 and will continue until May 18, 2026 through the government’s online portal. If the number of applicants is higher than available land, a digital balloting system will be used to ensure transparency and fair selection. The final list of successful applicants will be announced on June 19, 2026, while the distribution of land is scheduled to begin from June 30, 2026. Only Punjab residents with valid CNICs are eligible, and preference will be given to landless individuals, unemployed rural youth, and low-income families. The land must strictly be used for farming purposes, and any permanent construction is not allowed.
Overall, this scheme is being seen as a major step toward improving agriculture, reducing rural unemployment, and supporting struggling families in Punjab.
