Strong support from farmers for Punjab's land pooling policy, scheme called a 'model for the future'

Punjab’s land pooling policy is drawing widespread and enthusiastic support from farmers across the state, as the government rolls out its progressive urban development vision. The initiative is being hailed as a pioneering model that balances growth, fairness, and transparency—giving farmers a direct stake in the future of urban Punjab.

Designed to create world-class urban sectors, the policy is seen as a bold step that promotes inclusive development and ensures that landowners are active participants in shaping the cities of tomorrow. Farmers have responded positively to the scheme, describing it as a “profitable deal” and a historic opportunity to be part of urban expansion without the complications of traditional land acquisition.

Under this forward-looking scheme, farmers voluntarily offer their land to the government and, in return, receive residential and commercial plots in developed urban estates. For every acre of land contributed, the government provides a 1000-square-yard residential plot and a 200-square-yard SCO (Shop-Cum-Office) commercial plot. This allows farmers the flexibility to sell their plots or develop them into residential or commercial projects—opening up new streams of income and entrepreneurial potential.

Thousands of farmers from districts such as Patiala, Mohali, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Mansa, and Firozpur have already joined the scheme. Their participation signals growing confidence in the policy’s benefits and its transparent implementation.

Rajendra Kumar, a farmer from Patiala, shared that he gave his land willingly and described the policy as extremely beneficial. According to him "this initiative will not only raise the value of agricultural land but also secure farmers’ financial future."

Another farmer who contributed nine acres of land said that he received plots worth crores in return—a value he noted would not have been possible in the private market, where middlemen and commissions typically eat into farmers’ earnings.

In the first week alone, farmers in Patiala offered 150 acres under the scheme, while over 50 farmers in Mohali have already signed up. Encouraging responses are also pouring in from districts including Amritsar, Moga, Sangrur, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Kapurthala, and Bathinda. For many, this is more than a policy—it is a chance to be equal stakeholders in urban development.

A farmer whose son is an NRI remarked that this initiative brings hope for better-planned sectors, resolving long-standing civic issues and offering a higher quality of life. He believes such well-structured development will encourage NRIs to return and invest in their home state.

What makes the policy particularly appealing is that it involves no compulsory land acquisition. Farmers are not forced to sell their land at undervalued prices. Instead, they can continue farming or explore real estate opportunities, enjoying the freedom to choose their path.

Farmers also note that the policy has introduced a new level of fairness and transparency. Previously, private developers would purchase land at low prices and reap the majority of profits. Now, farmers retain the benefit of appreciation and urban growth, giving them a sense of ownership and dignity.

By giving landowners a genuine share in development, the Punjab government’s land pooling policy is setting a benchmark in collaborative and sustainable urban planning. As more farmers join hands with the government, the state is moving confidently toward building smart, citizen-friendly, and inclusive cities.