Q. Consider the following:
1.Cold storage and refrigerated transportation
2.Primary processing units for cereals and pulses
3.Solar panels for agricultural pumps
4.Logistics facilities including sorting and packaging units
How many of the above are covered under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF)?
Explanation – The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a central sector scheme launched by the government to provide financial support for the development of agricultural infrastructure. The scheme aims to enhance the income of farmers by improving post-harvest management infrastructure and creating community farming assets. Loans under the scheme receive an interest subvention of 3% per annum, up to ₹2 crore, for a maximum period of seven years. The fund benefits a wide range of entities, including farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), entrepreneurs, startups, and self-help groups. Solar panels for agricultural pumps are not covered under the AIF rather they are part of PM-KUSUM.
Source: The Hindu
