The scheme was launched in 2004 and is valid up to the year 2011. Thus, the projects which are sanctioned by the financing banks on or after the above cutoff date i.e. 20 October 2004 shall be eligible to avail subsidy under the scheme. The aim of this scheme is to provide additional agricultural marketing infrastructure that helps in coping up with the large expected marketable surpluses of agricultural and allied commodities including dairy, poultry, fishery, livestock and minor forest produce. Also, to strengthen existing agricultural marketing infrastructure to enhance efficiency by promoting direct marketing so as to increase market efficiency through reduction in intermediaries and handling channels thus enhancing farmers´ income.

The funds for this scheme are contributed by National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development, National Cooperative Development Corporation and by cooperative banks and cooperative societies. under the scheme. The credit linked back ended subsidy shall be provided on the capital cost of general or commodity specific agriculture marketing infrastructure and for strengthening and modernisation of existing agricultural markets, wholesale or retail in rural/municipal areas. The Scheme is reform linked and is applicable in those States/ Union Territories which amend the APMC Act, as may be required, to permit setting up of agricultural markets in private and cooperative sectors and allow direct marketing and contract farming.

The assistance will be available to individuals, Group of farmers/ growers/ consumers, Partnership/ Proprietary firms, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Companies, Corporations, Autonomous Bodies of the Government, Cooperatives, Cooperative Marketing Federations, Local Bodies, Agricultural Produce Market Committees & Marketing Boards in the entire country.

Bank assisted projects of State agencies, including projects refinanced/co-financed by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for strengthening / modernization of existing marketing infrastructure would also be eligible for assistance under the scheme.

Contact

Deputy Commissioner (FF)

Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture,

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries,

Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi,

Ph: 011-23070357