The Centre has doubled the loan target under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to Rs 2 lakh crore, giving a major push to post-harvest infrastructure and rural supply chains. The enhanced outlay is aimed at unlocking investments in modern warehouses, expanded cold chain networks, food processing units and farm-level infrastructure.
Officials said the move will help reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage capacity and ensure better price realisation for farmers by strengthening the farm-to-market linkages. The expanded fund is expected to attract greater participation from agri-entrepreneurs, cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organisations.
The announcement marks a significant step toward boosting farmer incomes and building a resilient agricultural marketing ecosystem nationwide.