Nagaland: Workshop on Agriculture Infrastructure Fund held
Nagaland: A workshop on Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) was held at the organ house of Agri Expo at Chumoukedima, Nagaland, focusing on the benefits and opportunities offered by the AIF scheme, with special focus on the North East region. Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, emphasized the important role of AIF in modernizing agricultural infrastructure across the country. Kumar underlined the scheme’s potential to revolutionize production and increase profitability of farmers. He outlined its benefits, including 3% interest subvention on loans up to Rs 2 crore and flexible repayment terms. Eligible projects under the scheme include post-harvest management, polyhouses and logistics facilities.
Kumar also highlighted the importance of technological advancements such as precision farming, artificial intelligence and smart irrigation systems in empowering farmers. He informed that these innovations facilitate higher productivity, cost reduction and sustainable practices. He assured that the government is committed to investing in these technologies to secure a prosperous future for agriculture that strikes a balance between profitability and sustainability. Acknowledging the unique challenges of the North East, such as rugged terrain and remote communities, Kumar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing financial and technical support to boost farmers’ livelihoods. He assured the attendees that rural development, healthcare and education remain top government priorities to enhance the quality of life in Nagaland.
Additionally, there will be a focus on integrating Nagaland’s distinctive crops and resources into both domestic and global markets. The workshop included presentations by the AIF team, which highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural infrastructure, particularly in the North East. Discussions focused on projects such as cold storage facilities, warehouses and processing units – which are critical to increasing productivity and market access for local farmers. The team also highlighted tailored financing options and strategies designed to address the region’s unique agricultural challenges. O.P. Monglang, Deputy General Manager, NABARD addressed the audience, outlining both the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing the AIF scheme.
He emphasized its potential to significantly boost the agriculture sector through comprehensive infrastructure development. The event began with the welcome address by Vezope Kenye, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Nagaland and was chaired by Limanenla, Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture. It concluded with an inaugural session that included a Q&A segment, giving the participants an opportunity to learn in-depth about the nuances of the implementation of the scheme.
