The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme is a significant government initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare in India in 2020. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to farmers, FPOs, and agri-entrepreneurs for the construction of post-harvest infrastructure and community farming assets. With a fund of ₹1 lakh crore, this scheme offers medium to long-term debt financing facilities through interest subvention and credit guarantees. Its goal is to create a better value chain for agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve farmers' income.

Benefits of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme

• Better Marketing Framework

Through the scheme, a better marketing framework will be established, helping farmers to deliver their products directly to consumers. This will enhance value realization for farmers and improve their income.

• Benefits of Modern Technology

Under this scheme, entrepreneurs will leverage modern technologies like IoT and AI to promote innovation in the agricultural sector. This will lead to the development of new technologies and solutions in agriculture, increasing farmers' productivity and profits.

• Opportunities for Collaboration

The scheme will increase opportunities for collaboration between entrepreneurs and farmers. This will promote partnerships and cooperation in the agricultural sector, aiding in its long-term empowerment.

Eligibility for Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme

• Farmers: Individual farmers, farmer groups, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Joint Liability Groups, Self-Help Groups, and Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) are eligible under this scheme.
• Agricultural Entrepreneurs: Individual business owners such as mill owners, food processing units, traders, storage providers, exporters, etc., can be beneficiaries of this scheme.
• Large Businesses: FMCG companies, exporters, food processors, and equipment manufacturers can also benefit from this scheme.
• State Agencies: Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMC), FPOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), cooperative federations, and state warehousing corporations are also eligible under this scheme.

Documents Required for the Scheme

• Bank Loan Application Form (properly filled and verified loan application form)
• Passport-size Photographs
• Proof of Identity (any one - Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID Card, or Driving License)
• Proof of Residence (any one - Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID Card, or Electricity Bill)
• Business Office/Registered Office (Electricity Bill, Latest Property Tax Receipt, Certificate of Incorporation in the case of companies, or Registration Certificate in the case of partnership firms)
• Proof of Registration
• Income Tax Returns and Audited Balance Sheets for the past 3 years (if available)
• GST Certificate (if available)
• Land Ownership Records
• Bank Statements for the past 1 year (if available)
• Track Record of Previous Loan Repayments (loan details)
• Detailed Project Report (DPR)
• Local Authority's Permission and Building Approval (if available)

How to apply for the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme?

Online Registration: The online application process for the AIF scheme is simple and convenient. To apply, you need to visit the AIF portal and register there.

Filling the Application Form: After registration, you will need to fill in your details, including your name, mobile number, and Aadhaar number. Verify with the OTP received and fill in other required details.

Loan Application: After logging in, click on 'Loan Application' and fill in the project details, such as project name, description, cost, annual revenue, and geographical location. Upload the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and click on 'Submit.'

Approval and Review: Your application will be sent for review by the ministry. After approval, the application will be digitally transferred to the selected bank or credit assessment center. The bank will review the feasibility of your project and approve it accordingly.

Would you like to apply for the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme? If you want any other information related to farming, do let us know in the comments. If you found this information useful, please like it and share it with other farmer friends. For more information on government schemes for farmers, follow the 'Farmer's Scheme' channel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is eligible for the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme?

A: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme benefits various eligible individuals and groups, including individual farmers, farmer groups, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), self-help groups, and primary agricultural cooperative societies. Additionally, mill owners, food processing units, traders, storage providers, exporters, FMCG companies, and state agencies like APMCs and state warehousing corporations can also benefit from this scheme.

Q: What is the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund?

A: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a government scheme launched by the Government of India in 2020. The scheme aims to provide financial support for the construction of post-harvest infrastructure and community farming assets to farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and other agricultural entrepreneurs. The fund has a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore and will be used to provide loans to eligible beneficiaries at concessional interest rates. The scheme is expected to boost the agricultural sector by improving supply chain infrastructure, reducing wastage, and increasing farmers' income.

Q: What is KCC Subsidy?

A: The KCC Subsidy provides interest relief to farmers under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, allowing them to obtain affordable loans. This subsidy is announced annually by the government.

Q: What is the Free Tractor Scheme?

A: Under the PM Kisan Tractor Scheme, eligible farmers will receive up to a 50% subsidy for purchasing a new tractor.