The direction of Collector Shri Dilip Kumar Yadav, a district-level workshop on the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund was organized at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra on January 16. The primary objective of the workshop was to promote government schemes aimed at improving agricultural infrastructure and providing farmers with detailed information about these initiatives.
The Deputy Director of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development explained that the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund Scheme, launched in July 2020, aims to reduce post-harvest losses. Under this scheme, the central government announced a fund of ₹1 lakh crore, of which ₹7,440 crore has been allocated to Madhya Pradesh. The state has ranked first in the country in implementing the scheme, earning the "Best Performing State" award from the Government of India.
Katni District Exceeds Financial Targets: The fiscal year 2023-24, Katni district achieved 126% of its target, utilizing ₹67 crore against the allocated ₹53 crore. For 2024-25, the district has already achieved 136% of the allocated ₹22 crore target, utilizing ₹30 crore.
Nodal officer from Mandi Board Bhopal, Shri Govind Prasad Sharma, provided a detailed overview of the scheme. He highlighted that farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, FPOs, startups, self-help groups, and PACS can avail loans of up to ₹2 crore with a 3% annual interest subsidy under this scheme.
Focus on Primary Processing and Sorting-Grading Units: Katni district primarily produces crops like rice, wheat, gram, and pulses. To complement warehouses, there is a need to encourage projects such as primary processing units and sorting-grading units. This will ensure balanced and sustainable growth in agricultural infrastructure.
The scheme has ushered in significant improvements in the agricultural sector in Katni district. By providing better infrastructure and facilities, it is helping farmers increase their income. This initiative has proven to be a milestone in the journey toward agricultural prosperity and sustainable development.
