Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to inaugurate the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Awareness Workshop on July 25 at the Jyoti Bishnu Auditorium in Guwahati. The programme aims to increase awareness about the Centre’s flagship Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme and encourage greater participation by farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and other eligible stakeholders across the state.
The state government expects the event to bring together nearly 5,000 participants, including progressive farmers, entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and representatives from financial institutions. The workshop is part of Assam’s broader strategy to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and improve farmers’ access to institutional credit.
Major Push for Agricultural Infrastructure
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is a flagship scheme of the Government of India designed to provide medium- to long-term debt financing for the creation of post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries can avail loans of up to ₹2 crore along with a 3 per cent interest subvention, making it easier for farmers and agri-businesses to invest in warehouses, cold storage facilities, processing units, grading centres, and other agricultural infrastructure.
The Assam government hopes that increased awareness about these financial benefits will lead to higher participation in the scheme across the state.
CM to Lead Awareness Campaign
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will formally inaugurate the workshop and is expected to outline the state’s vision for modernising agriculture through improved infrastructure and increased private investment.
The event is expected to focus on expanding access to institutional credit, promoting value addition in agriculture, and encouraging farmers to adopt modern post-harvest management practices.
Officials believe that improved infrastructure will help reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen supply chains, and improve farmers’ incomes.
Agriculture Minister Appeals to MLAs
Ahead of the event, Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika appealed to Members of the Legislative Assembly to encourage progressive farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and other eligible beneficiaries from their constituencies to attend the programme.
He urged legislators to play an active role in spreading awareness about the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and helping farmers understand the benefits available under the scheme.
The minister also requested MLAs to attend the workshop themselves to demonstrate support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Assam’s agricultural economy.
Thousands of Stakeholders Expected
The awareness workshop is expected to witness participation from thousands of stakeholders representing various sectors of agriculture.
Besides farmers and entrepreneurs, officials from banks, cooperative institutions, agricultural departments, and Farmer Producer Organisations are also likely to participate.
The programme will provide information on the application process, eligibility criteria, financing options, and implementation mechanisms under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme.
Focus on Improving Farm Infrastructure
The state government has been placing greater emphasis on strengthening agricultural infrastructure to support long-term growth in the sector.
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is expected to facilitate investments in scientific storage facilities, cold chain networks, grading and packaging centres, primary processing units, and other assets that improve the efficiency of agricultural marketing.
Officials believe such investments will enhance value addition, minimise wastage, and increase profitability for farmers across Assam.
Scheme to Boost Rural Economy
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is also expected to generate employment opportunities in rural areas by encouraging entrepreneurship and investment in agri-businesses.
By improving access to affordable institutional credit, the scheme seeks to strengthen the rural economy while creating sustainable infrastructure that supports agricultural growth.
The Assam government has identified the programme as an important component of its broader efforts to modernise agriculture and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
Government Aims to Increase Participation
Although several beneficiaries in Assam have already availed assistance under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, officials believe many eligible farmers and entrepreneurs remain unaware of the opportunities available.
The July 25 workshop has therefore been organised to bridge this information gap and encourage wider participation in the scheme.
Through direct interaction with government officials, financial institutions, and experts, participants will receive guidance on accessing financial assistance and implementing agricultural infrastructure projects.
Strengthening Assam’s Agricultural Future
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Awareness Workshop marks another step in Assam’s efforts to modernise its agricultural sector through improved infrastructure and greater financial inclusion.
With Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma leading the initiative, the state government aims to create greater awareness about the scheme and encourage farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to invest in projects that improve productivity, storage, and value addition. As thousands of stakeholders gather in Guwahati on July 25, the workshop is expected to play a significant role in expanding the reach of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and strengthening Assam’s agricultural economy in the years ahead.