Chandigarh, April 25:Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat said that the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme is proving highly beneficial for small and medium farmers across the state. Under the scheme, farmers can avail financial assistance to strengthen agricultural infrastructure.

He said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to increasing farmers’ income and making agriculture a profitable and sustainable profession. He added that the AIF Scheme is a major step in this direction.

Mr. Bhagat said that the scheme is

promoting the establishment of cold storages, warehouses, grading and packing units, processing centres and other agricultural facilities. This is helping farmers obtain better prices for their produce while significantly reducing post-harvest losses.

He further informed that, according to data available up to March 31, 2026, a total of 34,265 projects have been approved in Punjab under the AIF Scheme. Loans worth Rs. 7,991 crore have been sanctioned by various financial institutions for these projects, while Rs. 7,496 crore has already been disbursed to beneficiaries.

He added that the Punjab Horticulture Department is serving as the nodal agency for implementation of the scheme. Farmers interested in availing benefits under the AIF Scheme can contact their nearest horticulture office or concerned departmental officials.