Cabinet Approves Expansion of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme

The Union Cabinet, led by PM Narendra Modi, has approved an expansion of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme to make it more appealing and inclusive. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural infrastructure, promote community farming, and integrate clean energy solutions. AIF has boosted storage capacity and rural employment since its launch in 2020.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an expansion of the Central Sector Scheme under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to make it more attractive, impactful, and inclusive. This move aims to enhance agricultural infrastructure and support the farming community through a broadened scope of the scheme.

The updated scheme will allow all eligible beneficiaries to create infrastructure for community farming projects, boosting sector productivity and sustainability. Integrated primary and secondary processing projects will now be included, although standalone secondary projects will remain under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) schemes.

The government will allow the convergence of the PM-KUSUM's Component-A with AIF for various farmer groups and organizations to promote sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, the AIF credit guarantee for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will be extended through NABSanrakshan Trustee Company Pvt. Ltd., enhancing financial security and encouraging investment in agricultural infrastructure projects.

(With inputs from agencies.)