Contents
Introduction
The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme is a transformative initiative by the Government of India aimed at enhancing the income of farmers by improving storage, processing, and marketing facilities. By providing financial support for developing agricultural marketing infrastructure, the scheme ensures that farmers can store and sell their produce more effectively, reducing post-harvest losses and accessing better markets.
What is the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme?
Launched under the Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM), the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) Scheme provides capital subsidies for creating and upgrading marketing infrastructure across India. The scheme is operational until March 31, 2026, and supports projects that enhance the efficiency of agricultural markets, benefiting farmers and other stakeholders.
Key Benefits
The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Farmer Income: By facilitating better storage and processing, farmers can sell their produce at optimal times and prices.
- Reduced Post-Harvest Losses: Improved infrastructure minimizes losses due to spoilage and wastage.
- Alternative Marketing Channels: Development of rural haats and integration with electronic platforms like e-NAM provide farmers with more selling options.
- Promotion of Small Processing Units: Encourages the establishment of small-scale processing facilities, adding value to agricultural products.
- Pledge Financing and Market Access: Infrastructure development enables farmers to access credit and reach broader markets.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is inclusive, allowing a wide range of applicants:
- Individual farmers and agri-entrepreneurs
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives
- Private companies and NGOs
- State agencies and local bodies
Projects eligible for assistance include storage facilities, cold storages, rural haats, mobile infrastructure like reefer vans, and integrated value chain projects up to the primary processing stage.
Subsidy Details
The scheme provides a back-ended capital subsidy, which means the subsidy is released after the project is completed and verified. The subsidy rates are:
- 25% of the project cost in plain areas
- 33.33% in North Eastern regions, hilly areas, and for projects promoted by women, SC/ST entrepreneurs, and FPOs
The subsidy supports the creation of storage capacities ranging from 50 to 5,000 metric tonnes for private entities and up to 10,000 metric tonnes for state agencies.
Application Process
Applying for the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme involves the following steps:
- Loan Application: The promoter applies for a term loan from a financial institution.
- Loan Sanction: Upon sanctioning the loan, the financial institution disburses the first installment.
- Advance Subsidy Application: The financial institution applies for the advance subsidy within 90 days of the first disbursement through the ENSURE portal managed by NABARD.
- Subsidy Release: NABARD sanctions and releases the advance subsidy to the financial institution.
- Project Completion: After completing the project, the financial institution submits the final subsidy claim and requests a Joint Monitoring Inspection (JMI).
- Final Subsidy Release: Post-inspection and verification, NABARD releases the final subsidy amount.
Importance for Beneficiaries
The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme is crucial for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs aiming to enhance their market presence and income. By providing financial assistance for developing essential infrastructure, the scheme empowers beneficiaries to:
- Store produce safely, reducing losses
- Access diverse and competitive markets
- Add value to products through processing
- Secure better prices and financial stability
Every eligible individual and organization should consider enrolling in this scheme to maximize their agricultural potential and contribute to a robust marketing ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme stands as a significant step towards strengthening India’s agricultural sector. By facilitating the development of marketing infrastructure, it ensures that farmers and related stakeholders can operate more efficiently, access better markets, and achieve higher incomes. Eligible beneficiaries are encouraged to apply and take full advantage of the opportunities this scheme offers.
Note: For more detailed information and to apply, visit the official myScheme portal.
