Chandigarh, July 2: ( Mohit Sharma )  : Chief Minister  Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in promoting the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) in the state. For several consecutive months, the state has maintained its numero-uno position in India, with the highest number of sanctioned projects under AIF scheme . It was disclosed by Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra, here today.

Punjab’s position as a frontrunner in the AIF Scheme

          The Cabinet Minister informed that in a remarkable development, nine out of the top ten districts nationwide hail from Punjab. The state of Punjab has collectively sanctioned an impressive 14199 projects for farmers’ welfare.

The remaining districts from Punjab include Bathinda with 1575 projects, Ludhiana with 1464 projects, Patiala with 1440 projects, Sangrur with 1439 projects, Fazilka with 1367 projects, Sri Muktsar Sahib with 1100 projects, Ferozepur with 758 projects, Mansa with 723 projects, and Moga with 681 projects.

AIF Scheme Supports Post-Harvest Management Activities

Expanding on this, S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra emphasized that these 14,199 projects represent a substantial investment of Rs. 5,938 crores by Punjab’s farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.

The AIF Scheme supports diverse post-harvest activities like primary processing (atta chakki, oil expeller, spice processing), storage (warehouses, cold stores, silos), custom hiring centers, sorting and grading units, seed processing, organic input production, crop residue management, biogas plants, solar pumps, ripening chambers, and finances solar panel installations on eligible infrastructure.

Punjab’s Horticulture Department Leads AIF

  This achievement solidifies Punjab’s leadership in the AIF Scheme, underscoring its progressive agricultural ecosystem and advancements in post-harvest management infrastructure. Among the top 10 districts sanctioning the most projects, Chattrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad, Maharashtra) stands out with 1,828 projects..

AIF Scheme: 3% Interest Subvention on Term Loans up to Rs. 2 Crores

Shailender Kaur, Director Horticulture and State Nodal Officer for AIF, highlighted that under the AIF Scheme, beneficiaries can avail a 3% interest subvention on term loans up to Rs. 2 crores for 7 years. This reduces the maximum interest rate to 9%, resulting in an effective interest rate of 6% or lower. These benefits can be stacked with all state and central subsidies, and projects are eligible for CGTMSE Scheme benefits.

She emphasized a significant opportunity for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to develop community infrastructure in the state. By integrating AIF with NABARD’s MSC scheme for PACS, they can access loans at an effective interest rate of just 1%.