Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has formally launched the online portal for the Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar Scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at providing agricultural land, financial support, and technical guidance to landless farmers across Punjab.
The programme is being described by officials as one of the largest rural livelihood initiatives in recent years, designed to promote self-employment through farming while bringing unused state land into productive agricultural use.
Billions worth of land to be allocated
Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the scheme’s portal, officially opening applications for a project under which agricultural land worth approximately Rs160 billion will be distributed among eligible landless farmers.
According to official data, 13,812 agricultural lots have been allocated across various districts of Punjab, expected to benefit 88,780 families.
In Cholistan, the initiative is even larger in scale, with 16,685 lots planned for distribution, benefiting 101,111 families. Combined, the scheme aims to improve access to farmland for well over 100,000 households.
Land value and financial assistance
Under the Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar Scheme, each successful applicant will receive agricultural land valued between Rs2.5 million and Rs4 million.
In addition, the Punjab government will provide a one-time resettlement grant ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs250,000 per acre, aimed at helping farmers settle on the land and begin cultivation without immediate financial pressure.
پنجاب میں زرعی، معاشی خوشحالی کا شاندار منصوبہ، ”اپنی زمین ……اپنی محنت، اپنی فصل ……اپنا روزگار“
🔺وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف نے ”اپنا کھیت، اپنا روزگار سکیم“ پورٹل کا باقاعدہ افتتاح کر دیا
🔺پنجاب میں بے زمین دیہاتیوں کو تقریباً 160ارب روپے کی مالیت کی اراضی کا تاریخی… pic.twitter.com/uqjgO4r2DN
— PMLN (@pmln_org) April 23, 2026
Officials confirmed that more than 124,000 acres of agricultural land will be allocated under the programme for a 10-year period. In one official briefing, the total land identified was stated as 124,124.374 acres.
Land identified with water and soil checks
Senior officials said the land was identified on the direct instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, with particular attention to water availability and soil fertility.
They added that 43,938 acres in Punjab and 83,425 acres in Cholistan were selected after reviewing irrigation access and agricultural suitability to ensure long-term productivity.
Agriculture-only use, no construction allowed
Authorities made it clear that land allotted under the scheme must be used exclusively for agricultural purposes. Permanent construction on the land will not be permitted.
Farmers, however, will be free to grow crops of their choice, allowing flexibility based on local conditions and individual expertise.
Application timeline and selection process
Online applications will be accepted through the official portal akarpunjabgovt.pk from May 2 to May 18.
An appeal window will remain open from June 1 to June 8, during which candidates can submit objections to the Deputy Commissioner concerned.
The final list of selected beneficiaries will be published on June 19, while land distribution will begin from June 30.
If multiple eligible candidates apply for the same lot, the land will be allocated through a transparent draw system. Successful applicants will receive land rights for 10 years.
Monitoring, training, and oversight
To ensure proper cultivation and accountability, the government has attached an agriculture officer to each lot, along with an agricultural intern.
A monitoring committee comprising the Assistant Commissioner and officers from the Agriculture Department will conduct biannual field visits to review farming activity and progress.
Officials brief on rollout
A Senior Member of the Board of Revenue provided a detailed briefing on the rollout of the Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar Scheme, explaining land identification, allocation procedures, and monitoring mechanisms.
Officials said the structure of the scheme reflects a comprehensive approach, combining land access with financial assistance, technical supervision, and regular oversight to maximize its impact and sustainability.
