Page 42 - Banking Finance February 2022

ARTICLE

AGRICULTURE

INFRASTRUCTURE

FUND SCHEME:

OPPORTUNITIES

TO FINANCE

Introduction: 1,00,000 crores will be provided for funding Agriculture
Infrastructure Projects at farm-gate & aggregation points
The role of infrastructure is crucial for agriculture
(Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies, Farmers
development and for taking the production dynamics to the
Producer Organizations, Agriculture entrepreneurs, Start-
next level. It is only through the development of
ups, etc.). Impetus for development of farmgate &
infrastructure, especially at the post-harvest stage that the
aggregation point, affordable and financially viable Post
produce can be optimally utilized with opportunity for
value addition and fair deal for the farmers. Development Harvest Management infrastructure.
of such infrastructure shall also address the vagaries of
Accordingly, Department of Agriculture Co-operation and
nature, the regional disparities, development of human
resource and realization of full potential of our limited land Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) has formulated the Central
Sector Scheme to mobilize a medium - long term debt
resource.
financing facility for investment in viable projects relating
to postharvest management Infrastructure and community
In view of above, the Hon'ble Finance Minister announced
on 15.05.2020, Rs 1 lakh crore Agri Infrastructure Fund for farming assets through incentives and financial support.
farm-gate infrastructure for farmers. Financing facility of Rs.
Objectives of Scheme:
About the author a. Farmers (including FPOs, PACS, Marketing
Cooperative Societies, Multipurpose cooperative
Vikas Mahangare
Senior Manager- Faculty societies):
Union Bank of India Improved marketing infrastructure to allow farmers to
Staff Training Centre, Bhopal sell directly to a larger base of consumers and hence,

42 | 2022 | FEBRUARY | BANKING FINANCE