Is “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” Agricultural Land Rental Scheme Being Launched by CM Punjab – Explore All You Would Need to Know
The Punjab government has announced a major agricultural and employment-focused initiative titled “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar”, aimed at providing access to government-owned agricultural land to landless farmers, tenants, and rural youth. The scheme has been approved by the provincial cabinet under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif and is being described as a transformative step toward rural empowerment, food security, and job creation.
This article explains what the Apna Khet Apna Rozgar scheme is, who can apply, how it will work, its objectives, benefits, challenges, and the latest official status, all in simple and clear English.
What Is the Apna Khet Apna Rozgar Scheme?
Apna Khet Apna Rozgar (Our Field, Our Livelihood) is a Punjab government agricultural land rental programme designed to allocate unused or underutilized government-owned farmland to eligible citizens for cultivation.
Under this scheme, beneficiaries will be allowed to cultivate government land to earn a sustainable livelihood. The government’s initial plan is to benefit around 50,000 people across Punjab in the first phase.
The programme focuses on turning landless workers into productive farmers by giving them direct access to land rather than temporary labour opportunities.
Who Announced the Scheme and When?
The scheme was approved during a Punjab cabinet meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz Sharif in January 2026. The cabinet directed concerned departments to ensure rapid implementation, especially to align with the upcoming cropping seasons.
Officials described the scheme as part of a broader economic revival and employment generation strategy in Punjab.
Key Objectives of Apna Khet Apna Rozgar
The Punjab government has outlined several core objectives behind launching this initiative:
1. Reduce Rural Poverty
By giving landless farmers access to cultivable land, the scheme aims to provide a stable source of income rather than seasonal or daily wage labour.
2. Increase Agricultural Production
Large areas of government land remain unused. Cultivating these lands can boost crop output and contribute to provincial and national food security.
3. Promote Employment for Youth
The scheme encourages rural youth to enter agriculture as a viable profession instead of migrating to cities for low-paying jobs.
4. Support Inclusive Economic Growth
By targeting marginalized communities, tenants, and small farmers, the programme promotes equitable access to productive resources.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
While the government is still finalizing detailed rules, publicly available information suggests the following groups will be prioritized:
- Landless farmers and agricultural laborers
- Tenants and sharecroppers
- Residents of Punjab with valid CNIC
- Rural youth interested in farming or agribusiness
- Individuals without ownership of agricultural land
Final eligibility conditions such as age limits, income thresholds, and documentation requirements will be announced through official government notifications.
What Type of Land Will Be Given?
The land offered under Apna Khet Apna Rozgar will consist of:
- Government-owned agricultural land
- Land currently unused or underutilized
- Parcels identified by district administrations and revenue departments
The land will not be privately owned land and will remain state property.
Is the Land Given for Ownership or Rent?
According to current announcements:
- The land will be provided on a rental or lease basis, not permanent ownership
- Beneficiaries will receive the right to cultivate for a fixed period
- Ownership transfer has not been announced
Exact lease duration, renewal terms, and usage conditions will be clarified once formal rules are published.
How Will the Application Process Work?
The Punjab government is expected to adopt a hybrid application system, including:
- Online registration through official Punjab portals
- Verification through local revenue and agriculture offices
- District-level scrutiny committees for transparency
Applicants may be required to submit:
- CNIC
- Proof of Punjab residency
- Declaration of landless status
- Agricultural background (if applicable)
Final application portals and deadlines will be announced officially.
Departments Responsible for Implementation
Multiple departments will jointly implement the scheme, including:
- Punjab Agriculture Department
- Revenue Department
- District Administrations
- Local Agriculture Extension Offices
Coordination among these bodies is crucial for land identification, verification, and monitoring.
Benefits of the Apna Khet Apna Rozgar Scheme
Economic Benefits
- Regular income for thousands of rural households
- Reduced unemployment in agricultural communities
Agricultural Benefits
- Increased crop cultivation
- Better utilization of idle land
- Support for local food supply chains
Social Benefits
- Empowerment of marginalized farmers
- Reduced rural-to-urban migration
- Stronger rural economies
Challenges and Risks to Consider
Despite its promise, the scheme faces potential challenges:
Transparency Risks
Without strict monitoring, land allotments could be influenced by favoritism or political pressure.
Tenure Security
Short-term leases may discourage farmers from investing in land improvement.
Infrastructure Limitations
Some government lands may lack irrigation, roads, or soil fertility, requiring additional support.
Administrative Capacity
Effective implementation depends on district-level efficiency and oversight.
How Does This Scheme Fit into Punjab’s Wider Policy?
The Apna Khet Apna Rozgar programme aligns with Punjab’s broader goals of:
- Employment generation
- Agricultural modernization
- Rural development
- Poverty alleviation
It complements other initiatives related to housing, skill development, and social welfare.
Latest Status of the Scheme (2026 Update)
- Scheme approved by Punjab Cabinet
- Departments instructed to begin groundwork
- Land identification and framework development in progress
- Application details expected soon
Citizens are advised to rely only on official Punjab government announcements for accurate updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Apna Khet Apna Rozgar officially approved?
Yes, the Punjab cabinet has approved the scheme and ordered its implementation.
2. How many people will benefit from this scheme?
The initial target is approximately 50,000 beneficiaries across Punjab.
3. Will beneficiaries become landowners?
No ownership transfer has been announced; land will be provided on a lease or rental basis.
4. Is the scheme only for farmers?
Priority is for landless farmers and rural workers, but final eligibility rules will clarify other categories.
5. When will applications open?
Exact application dates have not been announced yet; updates will be shared through official government channels.
Conclusion
The Apna Khet Apna Rozgar Agricultural Land Rental Scheme represents a significant step by the Punjab government to address rural poverty, unemployment, and underutilized agricultural land. If implemented transparently and supported with proper infrastructure and training, it has the potential to reshape Punjab’s rural economy.
