Guwahati, June 24: Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that the state has made significant strides in implementing the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. Over ₹1,100 crores have been distributed to farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs across Assam under this initiative.
Following a meeting with Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi, Sarma shared this information. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund emerged as a key topic during their discussions.
In a post on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister stated that Assam is rapidly advancing in enhancing rural agricultural infrastructure and improving farmers’ access to post-harvest facilities through this major central scheme.
Sarma expressed his satisfaction after meeting with Chouhan, highlighting the swift progress in the implementation and expansion of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, with over ₹1,100 crores already disbursed.
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund was initiated by the central government in 2020 to support post-harvest management infrastructure and the establishment of community agricultural assets. This scheme provides medium to long-term loan financing for projects such as warehouses, cold storage units, grading and packaging facilities, primary processing centers, supply chain infrastructure, and smart agriculture projects.
Officials noted that the scheme has boosted investment in the agricultural sector by providing affordable loans for infrastructure development to farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, agricultural startups, self-help groups, and entrepreneurs.
In recent years, Assam has actively promoted agricultural modernization and value addition initiatives. The state government encourages the establishment of storage, processing, and marketing facilities to increase farmers’ incomes and reduce post-harvest losses.
The meeting between Chief Minister Sarma and Chouhan is seen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination between the central and state governments on agricultural development, rural infrastructure, and farmer welfare programs.
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