28,195 Projects Approved Under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme
Farmer-Friendly Policies of the Mann Government Inspiring Youth to Take Up Horticulture Instead of Going Abroad
Area Under Horticulture Expands to 5.21 Lakh Hectares Due to Farmer-Friendly Policies
Chandigarh, July 9:
Punjab Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today addressed an important press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh, highlighting the major achievements of the State Government in the horticulture sector. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working expeditiously to further strengthen and modernise the horticulture sector.
Mr. Mohinder Bhagat said that a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted project worth approximately Rs.1,300 crore will soon be launched to promote horticulture in the state and enhance farmers’ income. He said that the project aims to encourage climate-resilient and high-value horticultural crops across Punjab.
He further said that the project will promote the adoption of modern technologies, ensure the availability of quality planting material, strengthen horticultural infrastructure, increase farmers’ income and provide fresh impetus to the horticulture sector.
The Horticulture Minister said that the Punjab Government has been implementing several farmer-friendly schemes to promote horticulture, which are benefiting both farmers and the youth. He said that these initiatives are encouraging the state’s youth to choose horticulture as a viable source of livelihood instead of migrating abroad.
The Minister informed that since 2022, 28,195 projects have been approved under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme. He said that under the scheme, farmers have received loans amounting to approximately Rs. 6,729 crore from various financial institutions. He added that the scheme has proved highly beneficial, particularly for small and marginal farmers. He further said that Punjab has secured the highest number of approved projects under the AIF Scheme in the country.
Mr. Mohinder Bhagat said that owing to the farmer-friendly policies of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and the special emphasis being laid on horticulture, the area under horticulture in the state has expanded to 5.21 lakh hectares. He expressed confidence that Punjab will emerge as the leading state in the country in the field of horticulture in the coming years.
