State to expand farmer access to low-interest loans, says minister

Agriculture Minister Prof Chander Kumar on Sunday directed the state Agriculture Department to ensure farmers in Himachal Pradesh receive maximum benefits under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), which offers loans at an interest rate of six per cent to boost farm incomes and livelihoods.

Speaking at a state-level conference on the AIF in Palampur, where he was the chief guest, Prof Kumar called on officials to strengthen coordination with banking institutions for effective implementation of the scheme. He also instructed them to organise awareness camps at the block level to inform farmers about the fund’s provisions.

Addressing farmers, he said cultivators could avail themselves of loans of up to Rs 2 crore at six per cent interest for a period of seven years to support their agricultural activities. Stressing that farming remained the country’s most vital sector, he said Himachal Pradesh’s distinct climate called for new, locally tailored agricultural policies and schemes.

Prof Kumar also interacted with progressive farmers and presented them with mementos. The agriculture secretary, C Palrasu, outlined the department’s schemes and objectives, urging bank and agricultural officials to work in close coordination for better results.

The director of agriculture, Dr Ravinder Singh Jasrotia, thanked the state government and the minister for organising the conference, noting effective implementation of the AIF could bring transformative changes to the agricultural sector. He informed the minister Rs 925 crore had been allocated under the fund in Himachal Pradesh. So far, 599 applications have been received, of which 438 have been verified. Banks have sanctioned 324 applications worth Rs 221 crore and Rs 67 crore has already been disbursed to beneficiaries.

The event was also attended by Dr Rahul Katoch, additional director for Kangra zone, along with officers and employees of the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Departments and several progressive farmers.