AHIDF Scheme
Context:
Recently, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying launched the revamped AHIDF Scheme.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government schemes and policies)
Background:
- Initially it was introduced in June 2020 as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Initiative.
- The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme aims to encourage investments from various entities like individual entrepreneurs, private companies, MSMEs, Farmers’ Producers Organizations (FPOs), and Section 8 companies.
- It focuses on establishing infrastructure for dairy processing and value addition, meat processing and value addition, and animal feed plants.
Performance:
- The scheme has witnessed commendable performance, attracting investments worth Rs. 8903 crores and creating approximately 15 lakh jobs, according to government reports.
Realigned AHIDF Scheme:
- The scheme has now been realigned and is scheduled for implementation over the next three years.
Features of the Realigned Scheme:
- Under the realigned scheme, beneficiaries will enjoy an interest subvention of 3% payable up to 8 years, with individuals, FPOs, Dairy Cooperatives, Private Companies, Section 8 companies, and MSMEs being eligible.
- Additionally, there will be a credit guarantee cover of up to 25% of the term loan, with no ceiling on the loan amount and a provision for loans covering up to 90% of the estimated or actual project cost.
- The scheme will also dovetail with capital subsidy schemes of other ministries or state-level schemes.
- An online portal has also been introduced to streamline the application process for the scheme.
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