Dhubri: An Agriculture Infrastructure Fund awareness programme was held in South Salmara-Mankachar district to promote agri-entrepreneurship.Organised on Saturday under the chairmanship of the district agricultural officer, the programme brought together farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and self-help group representatives. Participants were briefed on the AIF and other schemes supporting investment in agriculture.Binod Nath, general manager of the District Industries & Commerce Centre, explained the AIF’s scope and highlighted its convergence with the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme.“By integrating the two schemes, eligible entrepreneurs can avail themselves of complementary benefits, including credit-linked capital subsidy under PMFME along with the 3% interest subvention and credit guarantee support available under AIF,” Nath said.The lead district manager explained the scheme’s financial and technical aspects, the application and bank-loan process, and the importance of a Detailed Project Report. Participants were also informed about eligible projects, including cold storage, primary processing, sorting and grading facilities, and custom hiring centres.The district agricultural officer urged youth, farmer producer organisations, farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to use the schemes effectively.“Such schemes can help reduce post-harvest losses, improve agricultural infrastructure and create new avenues of employment and income for rural youth,” the officer said.
