T'puram: In view of the poor response to the central scheme, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), which offers a subsidized loan facility for setting up cold storage units and creating value-added agricultural products, state govt has decided to launch an intense campaign to sensitise the scheme's potential beneficiaries.
The AIF scheme was launched by the Union govt in 2020 against the backdrop of reports that at least 40% of agricultural produce harvested in the country perishes due to inadequate storage and distribution facilities. The Centre has set aside Rs 2,520cr as Kerala's share from the scheme from the 2020-21 fiscal year to 2032-33. According to the provisions of the scheme, loans would be available until the 2025-26 financial year, and the loanees should pay back the loan amount in seven years after receiving the amount in full.
However, a review of the scheme by state govt indicated that the response remains sluggish, and the state may not be able to utilize the funds earmarked. Nabard is the implementing agency of the scheme. Primary cooperative societies, farmer-producing companies, agricultural entrepreneurs, and startups are eligible for loan.
The cooperative department, in association with the agriculture department, is carrying out campaigns. However, the scheme is still not picking up. In this context, govt has decided to involve local self-govt institutions to reach potential loanees. District planning committees are directed to monitor the interactions and campaigns by block panchayats, municipalities, and corporations.
As per the scheme, the maximum interest rate for the loans through banks would be 9%. Of this, 3% interest subvention would be available for the loanees. The maximum loan amount is Rs 2 crore.
Some of the potential projects listed under the scheme include cold stores and cold chains, packing units, primary processing activities, warehouses and silos, supply chain services including e-marketing platforms, assaying units, seed processing, bio-stimulant production units, organic input production, and infrastructure for smart and precision agriculture. This includes farm/harvest automation, purchase of drones, installation of specialised sensors in the field, and the use of blockchain and AI in agriculture.
B S Anilkumar is a journalist with over two decades of demonstrat...
Read MoreB S Anilkumar is a journalist with over two decades of demonstrated experience as news reporter, political analyst, newsroom manager and news coordinator of major events, including quite a number of elections and state budgets. Not one who moved straight from class room to news room. Anil turned to journalism after spending half a dozen years in experimental theatre in Kerala, as actor, writer and coordinator, traveling across the state and outside and interacting with luminaries and contemporaries in the field. Translated two plays-The Royal Hunt of the Sun and The Lovers. He writes in all formats- short and long. Focuses mainly on politics, education and power sectors, besides finance, culture and theatre. Currently working as deputy metro editor The Times of India, Thiruvananthapuram bureau in Kerala.
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