Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC)

sfg-2026
ForumIAS LATEST
      1. SFG FRC 2027 | Program starts from 19th Dec. 2026 | Admissions open for Entrance Test Click Here to know more →
      2. Prelims Test Series (PTS) for Prelims 2027 starts 11th Oct. 2026 Click Here to know more →
      3. [Pre-order] Ethics Redbook 3rd Edition: Delivery starts from 10th October onwards Click Here to Read More →
      4. 21 Sept. | GS Advance Program (GSAP) for UPSC 2027 Mains starts from 11th Oct. Click Here to Read More →

News: The Ministry of Finance has removed the 11% import duty  (5% Basic Customs Duty and 5% Agriculture Infrastructure & Development Cess) on cotton till September 30.

About Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC)

Source – BusinessLine
  • It is a tax imposed by the government on the commercial production of agricultural produce.
  • Introduction: It was introduced in the Union Budget (2021-22), clause 115(1) of the Finance Bill 2021.
  • This cess is imposed on goods specified in the first schedule to the Customs Tariff Act of 1975 when imported into India.
  • Aim: The government aims to utilize the funds collected through AIDC for infrastructure development in agriculture across the country.
  • Items covered: The items covered under AIDC are – gold, silver, alcohol beverages, crude palm oil, crude soyabean and sunflower oil, apples, coal, lignite and peat specified fertilizers, peas, kabuli chana, bengal gram, lentil and cotton.
  • Purpose
    • The revenue generated through AIDC will be utilized for infrastructure development in agriculture to enhance productivity and protect the sector from undue competition, ultimately increasing its output competently.
    • The essential objectives to be completed include – creating state-of-the-art storage facilities, developing robust cold chains, improving transportation networks, implementing modern processing units, and enhancing farmers’ overall well-being.
  • Impact on consumers: It offsets the reduction in customs or excise duty and thus does not raise the tax incidence for consumers.

Cess vs Tax

  • Cess is collected for a specific purpose and its proceeds are earmarked for that purpose (e.g., agriculture infrastructure), unlike regular taxes that go to the consolidated fund.
  • Revenue from AIDC is not shared with state governments; it stays with the Centre for the targeted sector.
Print Friendly and PDF
Blog
Academy
Community