Agriculture infrastructure fund scheme

Context 
     
 Union minister of state agriculture urges the farmer to take advantage of
the agri-infra scheme as only 8000 crores was availed under the
government`s Rs 1 lakh crore Agri infrastructure fund scheme.
Agricultural Infrastructure fund ( National agriculture infra
financing facility)

? Like as in other sectors infrastructure played a crucial role in
agricultural development, especially at the post-harvest stage.
That infrastructure development is vital to address the vagaries es
of nature, the regional disparities, the development of human
resources, and the realization of the full potential of our limited
land resources. 
? To realize these objectives in the agriculture sector the union
cabinet has approved an Agricultural infrastructure Fund (National
Agricultural Infra Financing Facility) in July 2020.
? It is a central sector scheme with the purpose to provide a medium
long-term debt financing facility for making investments in viable
projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and
community farming assets through interest subvention and
financial support.
? Initially, a 10 year period was set from FY2020 to FY2030 which
was later extended by 3 years till 2032-33.
? The scheme will be steered by NABARD with the Ministry of
Agriculture and farmer welfare.
Advantages 
? The interest subvention of 3% will be given per annum up to a limit
of Rs 2 crores under this scheme which will be available for a
maximum period of 7 years, mainly for infrastructure purposes.
? The scheme also included a credit guaranteeing coverage under
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for MSMEs for loans up to Rs 2
crore.
? This financial support and credit guarantee will improve the
processing and storage facilities and will help the farmers in
building post-harvest agriculture infrastructure and community
farming assets.

? It will help the farmers in getting an optimal price for their crop by
reducing the wastages, store process and giving value addition to
their products.