The Russian government has approved the first applications under the country's free land scheme, the Interfax news agency reported Wednesday.
Three families in the far eastern Amur region were awarded land to use for beekeeping, Interfax reported. Officials are currently considering two more applications.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law giving Russians the chance to claim up to one hectare of free land in the country's Far East. The act came into effect on June 1.
Under the program, which aims to boost the economy of Russia's Far East, the land can be used for residential construction, farming or business. After the five-year period, land occupants can receive full ownership, which will allow to rent or sell the plot.
Russian citizens can currently apply for land plots in the regions of Kamchatka, Primorye, Khabarovsk, Amur, Magadan and Sakhalin.
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