Finance Minister Announces Rs 1 Lakh Crore Agricultural Infrastructure Fund

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman provided the details of third tranche of economic package focusing on agriculture and allied activities - fisheries, animal husbandry, dairy, etc. FM announces Rs 1 lakh crore agri infrastructure fund for Farmer Producer Organizations, aggregators, primary agriculture cooperative societies for strengthening farm-gate infrastructure such as cold chains, post harvest management infrastructure.

Government announced an Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund worth Rs. 15,000 crore to support private investment in Dairy Processing, value addition and cattle feed infrastructure.

National Animal Disease Control Programme has been launched with total outlay of Rs. 13,343 crores for 100% vaccination of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population in India.

FM announced 10,000 crore Fund for Micro Food Enterprises (MFEs) Marketing assistance to help local products create global impact, focus on organic, nutritional and health & wellness products, cluster-based approach.

Government is to launch Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for integrated, sustainable, inclusive development of marine and inland fisheries to plug critical gaps in fisheries value chain. This move will provide employment to over 55 lakh persons & double exports to Rs 1 lakh crore.

FM noted that a new scheme has been launched for interest subvention @ 2% per annum to dairy cooperatives for 2020-21 aimed at unlocking Rs 5000 crores additional liquidity, benefitting 2 crore farmers.

Government will amend Essential Commodities Act to enable better price realisation for farmers. Agriculture foodstuffs, including cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions and potato, will be deregulated.

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