Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika has urged Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) across the state to actively mobilise farmers to participate in the upcoming Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) awareness programme. The initiative aims to ensure that farmers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, agri-entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders become well informed about the benefits and opportunities available under the central government’s flagship Agricultural Infrastructure Fund scheme.
The minister emphasised that wider public awareness is essential for enabling farmers to access financial assistance for post-harvest infrastructure and agricultural development projects. He appealed to legislators to play an active role in reaching out to farming communities and encouraging their participation in the awareness campaign.
The programme is expected to strengthen farmers’ understanding of the scheme and promote greater utilisation of its benefits across Assam.
Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to Strengthen Rural Economy
The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund is designed to support the creation of modern agricultural infrastructure through medium- and long-term financing facilities.
The scheme provides financial assistance for developing post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets, including warehouses, cold storage units, grading and packaging centres, primary processing facilities, collection centres, supply chain infrastructure, and other agricultural projects.
Officials believe that improved agricultural infrastructure can help reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage capacity, strengthen market linkages, and increase farmers’ income by enabling them to obtain better prices for their produce.
The awareness programme seeks to ensure that eligible beneficiaries fully understand the opportunities available under the scheme.
MLAs Asked to Connect With Farming Communities
Addressing legislators, Pijush Hazarika highlighted the important role MLAs can play in connecting government initiatives with local communities.
He urged elected representatives to engage directly with farmers in their constituencies, encourage them to attend awareness programmes, and help disseminate accurate information regarding eligibility criteria, financial assistance, and application procedures under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund.
According to the minister, active involvement of MLAs can significantly improve outreach, especially in rural areas where access to information may be limited.
He stressed that greater public participation would contribute to the successful implementation of the scheme across the state.
Raising Awareness About Government Schemes
The minister observed that many government welfare programmes remain underutilised due to inadequate awareness among intended beneficiaries.
He said the awareness campaign aims to bridge this information gap by educating farmers about the financial support available for creating agricultural infrastructure that can improve productivity and profitability.
Officials will provide detailed information on the objectives of the scheme, funding mechanisms, project eligibility, loan facilities, interest subvention benefits, and implementation procedures during the awareness programmes.
The government hopes that better awareness will encourage more farmers and agricultural organisations to take advantage of the available financial assistance.
Focus on Modernising Agriculture
The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund forms part of broader efforts to modernise India’s agricultural sector by improving post-harvest infrastructure and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Modern storage, processing, transportation, and marketing facilities can help reduce wastage, preserve product quality, and improve market access for farmers. Such infrastructure also enables farmers to add value to agricultural produce before it reaches consumers.
The minister stated that investments in agricultural infrastructure are essential for increasing rural incomes and supporting sustainable agricultural development in Assam.
He encouraged farmers to view the scheme as an opportunity to expand their agricultural enterprises and improve long-term profitability.
Strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations and Cooperatives
Apart from individual farmers, the awareness programme will also focus on Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, self-help groups, agri-startups, and other eligible institutions involved in agricultural development.
Officials believe these organisations can play a crucial role in implementing community-level infrastructure projects that benefit multiple farmers simultaneously.
The minister encouraged collective participation under the scheme, noting that shared infrastructure often leads to greater efficiency, improved market access, and stronger bargaining power for agricultural producers.
Strengthening such institutions is considered important for promoting inclusive rural development and enhancing the overall agricultural ecosystem.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Farmers’ Welfare
Pijush Hazarika reiterated the Assam government’s commitment to supporting farmers through various developmental initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
He said the government continues to prioritise infrastructure development, technological advancement, skill development, irrigation, market access, and financial support to strengthen the agricultural sector.
The minister emphasised that empowering farmers with knowledge about available schemes is equally important as providing financial assistance.
He urged all stakeholders, including public representatives, government officials, agricultural departments, and local institutions, to work together to ensure that maximum numbers of eligible beneficiaries benefit from the programme.
Awareness Campaign Expected to Boost Agricultural Development
The upcoming awareness programme is expected to increase participation in the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund while encouraging greater investment in modern agricultural facilities across Assam.
Officials believe improved infrastructure will help farmers reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage and processing capabilities, enhance product quality, and secure better market opportunities.
The programme also aims to strengthen collaboration between government agencies and farming communities to ensure effective implementation of agricultural development initiatives.
By urging MLAs to mobilise farmers for the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund awareness programme, Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika has highlighted the importance of public participation in agricultural development. The initiative seeks to ensure that farmers across the state are well informed about the opportunities available under the scheme, enabling them to invest in modern agricultural infrastructure, improve productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods, and contribute to the long-term growth of Assam’s agricultural economy.