LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that free state land will be provided to peasants from April under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” initiative, in a major push to strengthen the province’s agricultural sector.

In a statement, the chief minister said that all cultivable government land across Punjab would be leased to peasants for 10 years, with each beneficiary receiving up to five acres free of cost. No lease charges would be collected, she added.

She said farmers will also receive financial assistance along with land allocation to help them immediately begin cultivation. The initiative aims to boost 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, where she stated that around 250,000 acres of land would be distributed among deserving and underprivileged individuals.

Cultivable govt land to be leased for 10 years ‘free of cost’

Detailed guidelines and the application procedure are expected to be issued 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, informing him of his success in the draw.

The chief minister said the Green Tractor Scheme was transforming the Punjab’s agricultural landscape, adding that the provision of modern machinery would significantly enhance crop yields. She reaffirmed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz remained committed to farmer-friendly policies and would continue to prioritise agricultural development.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2026