The Government of India has launched the National Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme, which will be implemented in the country from 2020-21 to 2032-33. Under this scheme, farmers can avail loans of up to ₹2 crore at a 3% lower interest rate (as per the guidelines, subject to a maximum interest subvention of 3% for farmers and 2% for prompt repayment).

The brief particulars of the Scheme are as under:-

• The dedicated portal for the scheme available on internet is – “agriinfra.dac.gov.in”
• Period for financing under the scheme is: 08.07.2020 to 31.03.2026.

Under the NAFIF scheme, farmers and institutions such as Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), agri-entrepreneurs, and agri-startups can benefit from loans provided by nationalized banks, commercial banks, or other financial institutions.
The scheme provides interest subvention for medium to long-term loans (up to 7 years) for developmental projects such as post-harvest management warehouses, underground storage chambers, grading units, cold chains, and community farming resources.
For Himachal Pradesh, a total of ₹925 crore (experimental allocation) has been earmarked under the scheme. The Agriculture Department of Himachal Pradesh is the nodal department. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with NABARD for the implementation of this scheme. So far, 777 projects have been approved in Himachal Pradesh, and banks have sanctioned loans amounting to ₹357.36 crore to farmers and other beneficiaries under these projects.

Guidelines of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (July 2021) – DOWNLOAD

For more details refer to AIF Portal – Click Here