The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: Benefits and Application

In India, there are many regions where agriculture serves as the sole means of livelihood. Despite this, the economic condition of our farmers has not been very favorable. To improve the situation of farmers, the Central Government facilitated the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund in the year 2020. Through this scheme, loans are provided for almost all activities related to agriculture and allied sectors. In this post, you can get detailed information about the main objectives of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme, its benefits, terms and conditions, as well as the application process.

Objective of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund

• The main objective of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund Scheme is to invest in the development and construction of agricultural infrastructure.
• Through this scheme, loans are provided for almost all activities related to agriculture and its allied sectors.

Who can Benefit from the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund?

• Primary Agriculture Credit Societies, Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producer Organizations, Self-Help Groups, Joint Liability Groups, Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies, Agricultural Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Agriculture Aggregation Infrastructure Providers in India can avail the benefits of this scheme.

Benefits of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

• Under this scheme, financial assistance will be provided to farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and other agricultural entrepreneurs at low-interest rates as loans for setting up warehouses, cold storage facilities, processing units, greenhouses, and packaging units.
• Easy loans can be availed under this scheme for activities related to farming, horticulture, pisciculture, and animal husbandry.
• This scheme indirectly assists in reducing post-harvest losses after harvesting by improving the quality and quantity of produce through infrastructural support.

Terms and Conditions of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

• Under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, farmers are provided loans of up to 2 crore rupees for the construction of cold storage, processing units, warehouses, and packaging units.
• Farmers availing loans of up to 2 crore rupees are eligible for an interest subsidy of up to 3% for a maximum period of 7 years, provided by the Central Government.
• Even if you are benefiting from any other loan scheme, you can still take advantage of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.

Documents Required for Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

To avail the benefits of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme, the following documents are necessary:

• Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• Bank Account Details
• Land Ownership Documents (Land Papers)
• GST Registration
• FPO Registration

Application Process: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

• To apply for this scheme, you will have to visit: https://agriinfra.dac.gov.in/
• You can also click on the link provided in this post to visit the official website of the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare if you prefer.
• On the homepage of the official website, click on the option for "Applicant Registration."
• Then, enter your name, mobile number, and Aadhaar number, and click on the option for "Send OTP."
• After filling in the requested information, click on the 'Submit' button.
• Once submitted, the application process will be completed.
• Within two days of applying, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will verify the applicant's application.
• After that, you will need to contact your bank to complete other necessary formalities.
• Once the verification process is complete, you will receive all the information from the bank.
• Within 60 days of completing this process, the loan will be processed by the bank.

Official Website of National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility: www.agriinfra.dac.gov.in

Were you aware of the benefits provided by the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme? Share your response with us in the comments section. For more information on government schemes in the agriculture sector, follow the 'Farmer's Scheme' channel now. Also, don't forget to like and share this post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund?

A: The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund is a scheme initiated by the Central Government, under which farmers are provided loans for the construction of cold storage, processing units, warehouses, packaging units, etc.

Q: Who manages the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund?

A: The management and supervision of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund will be carried out through an online Management Information System (MIS) platform. Monitoring committees will also be established at the national, state, and district levels to ensure real-time monitoring and effective feedback.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund?

A: Farmers, Agriculture Produce Organizations, Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producer Organizations, and Self-Help Groups are eligible to apply for the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.

Q: When was the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund launched?

A: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund was launched in the year 2020. Recently, some amendments have also been made to this scheme.