Proposals worth ₹23,000 cr received under Agri Infra Fund: Tomar

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The Agriculture Ministry has so far received proposals worth Rs 23,000 crore under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said on Friday. “So far, we have received proposals worth Rs 23,000 crores out of which proposals worth Rs 13,000 crores are under consideration. Banks have spent more than Rs 9,000 crores under AIF, which is ongoing,” Tomar said. He was speaking on the outcome of the two-day National Conference of State Agriculture and Horticultural Ministers in Bengaluru.

“Each country agreed to give impetus to establishing agricultural infrastructure projects within the framework of the scheme to attract more investments,” Tomar said.

The government announced the establishment of the ₹ 1 lakh crore Agricultural Infrastructure Fund in 2020 to attract private sector investment in the areas of post-harvest management, storage and processing, among others. The scheme provides for medium term debt for the construction of agricultural infrastructure assets through a credit guarantee for loans of up to ₹ 2 crore, interest subsidy at 3 per cent per annum, limited to ₹ 2 crore per project at one site among other mechanisms.

Focus on natural farming

Tomar also said there are plans to give a mission mode approach to natural farming, which will not only improve soil health but also reduce the use of chemicals. A total of 4 hectares of natural farmland in the country.

Based on the deliberations at the conference, the countries agreed to adopt technology interventions in the areas of natural farming, digital farming, crop insurance, strengthening FPOs, and sharing good agricultural practices among others. He said that the deliberations will help the center to develop a road map and prepare a strategy for sustainable agricultural development and enhancing farmers’ income.

Sobha Karandlaji, Minister of State for Agriculture, said that 2023 has been declared the International Year of Millet. The meeting of state ministers also discussed marketing and exporting millet, as well as discussing how to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils and fertilizers.