'Apna Khait Apna Rozgar' initiative to transform Cholistan agriculture: commissioner

BAHAWALPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Apr, 2026) A high-level meeting on the Government of Punjab’s flagship initiative, 'Apna Khait Apna Rozgar' (Own Farm, Own Livelihood), was held under the chairmanship of Bahawalpur Divisional Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia at his office committee room.

Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hassan Raza attended the meeting in person, while Deputy Commissioners Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhawn (Bahawalnagar) and Zaheer Anwar Jappa (Rahim Yar Khan), along with relevant assistant commissioners, participated via video link.

During the meeting, the Commissioner directed that special facilitation counters be established at the offices of Assistant Commissioners in Yazman, Liaquatpur, and Fort Abbas. He further instructed that two separate counters be set up in each Assistant Commissioner’s office, staffed by officials from the Cholistan Development Authority (CDA) and the district administration, to ensure smooth processing and convenience for applicants.

Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia stated that under the “Own Farm, Own Livelihood” program, farmers will be provided a grant of up to Rs. 50,000 per acre. A proposal is also under consideration to allot agricultural land ranging from 5 to 25 acres to eligible applicants. He emphasized that to ensure transparency, land distribution will be carried out through a computerized balloting system via an online portal, and all relevant data has already been uploaded.

The briefing further highlighted that the program includes the provision of modern agricultural machinery and related facilities. It was also clarified that allotted land cannot be sold or transferred for a period of 10 years to safeguard the core objectives of the scheme. The Commissioner noted that the initiative aims to convert vast barren lands of Cholistan into cultivable farmland, thereby creating dignified livelihood opportunities for local communities. For this purpose, over 76,000 acres of state land have been allocated, with a total of 15,390 plots to be developed.

Officials informed the meeting that the Cholistan Development Authority has earmarked 1,897 plots (up to five acres each) across Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan. Additionally, records of more than 84,000 acres of land have been fully digitized to ensure transparency and efficient management. Expressing confidence in the project, Commissioner Kathia said the program would usher in an agricultural revolution in the region and generate extensive employment opportunities for thousands of people. He termed the initiative a transformative step by the Punjab government, which would serve as a milestone in the economic development of Cholistan and significantly improve the living standards of local residents.