Sri Vijaya Puram, November 11: The Directorate of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has invited eligible farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), cooperative societies, agri-entrepreneurs, start-ups and other eligible beneficiaries to submit project proposals for financial assistance under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India.
The Directorate said modern agricultural infrastructure is essential to raise productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access and promote value addition in the Islands. The fund provides medium- to long-term debt financing for viable projects in post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.
Under the scheme, loans are given through banks and financial institutions. Beneficiaries get an interest subvention of 3 per cent a year on eligible loans of up to ₹2 crore, for a maximum of seven years, subject to the scheme guidelines.
Eligible post-harvest management projects include supply chain services such as e-marketing platforms, warehouses and pack houses, assaying, sorting and grading units, cold chain and logistics facilities, primary processing centres and ripening chambers. Eligible community farming assets include organic input and bio-stimulant production units, infrastructure for smart and precision agriculture, and other projects permitted under the scheme guidelines.
Proposals should clearly state the nature of the project, its proposed location, the estimated cost and other details required by the financing institution for appraisal. For information and help in preparing proposals, beneficiaries may contact the Zonal Officers of their areas or the Kisan Call Centre, Directorate of Agriculture, Sri Vijaya Puram, on 03192-243434.
