Ramanujan Fellowship 2026
The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) Scheme aims to boost farmers' income by enhancing agricultural value chains through Read More... better post-harvest infrastructure and processing facilities. Read less
Details
The Indian government is committed to improving the lives of its farmers. The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme is a key initiative under the Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM). Its main goal is to add value to agricultural produce right at the farmer's level, ultimately increasing their income.
What Is This Scheme?
The AMI scheme focuses on building essential infrastructure for agricultural marketing. This includes creating scientific storage facilities and other marketing-related infrastructure across the country. The scheme is set to continue until March 31, 2026, supporting projects that help manage agricultural produce better after it's harvested.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This is an open-ended, demand-driven scheme that supports various entities. Individuals, agri-preneurs, farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and state agencies are all eligible to apply for assistance. The aim is to encourage the development of market infrastructure across different levels of the agricultural sector.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The AMI scheme plays a crucial role in the agricultural ecosystem. It ensures farmers get fair prices for their produce, opens up alternative and competitive marketing channels, and promotes the growth of small processing units. By reducing post-harvest losses and encouraging market access, the scheme helps integrate farmers with consumers and digital platforms like e-NAM.
Objective
Benefits
- The amount of the Fellowship will be ₹1,35,000/- per month (consolidated including HRA).
- Each Fellow will, in addition, receive a research grant of ₹7.00 lakh per annum (for consumables, travel, research personnel & contingencies, etc.) and ₹60,000/- per annum as overhead charges.
- The Ramanujan Fellows will be eligible to receive regular research grants through the extramural funding schemes of various S&T agencies of the Government of India.
Sources and references
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open for applications from a wide range of individuals and organizations. This includes:
- Individuals
- Farmers
- Groups of farmers/growers
- Registered Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) / Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)
- Firms and companies
- Cooperatives and Cooperative Marketing Federations
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
- Autonomous bodies of the government
- Local bodies and Panchayats
- State agencies
How to Apply
The AMI scheme operates on a credit-linked, back-ended subsidy model. Here’s a general overview of the application process:
- Project Proposal: Prepare a detailed project report outlining the proposed marketing infrastructure, including item-wise costs, total outlay, loan requirements, and promoter's contribution.
- Financial Appraisal: Obtain a technical and financial appraisal report from a financial institution (FI) for your project.
- Loan Sanction: Secure a loan sanction letter from the FI.
- Land Documents: Ensure you have valid land documents for the proposed project site.
- Advance Subsidy Claim: Submit an advance subsidy claim application in the prescribed format (Annexure-V) through your financing branch's Controlling/Nodal Office to NABARD. This application must be accompanied by all required documents as per the checklist.
- Submission of Final Claim: After project completion and loan disbursement, submit the final subsidy claim within the stipulated time frame.
Important Note: All applications and claims must be routed through the designated financing branch and its controlling/nodal office. For specific application links and forms, please refer to the official website.
Documents Required for Subsidy Claim
To claim subsidy under the AMI scheme, you will need to submit several documents. These typically include:
- A forwarding letter from the Controlling/Nodal Office of the financing branch.
- The advance subsidy claim application in the specified format (Annexure-V).
- A copy of the project report with detailed cost breakdowns, total outlay, loan amount, and promoter's contribution, along with the FI's appraisal report.
- A copy of the approved plan/map and civil drawings showing dimensions and capacity.
- The FI's loan sanction letter.
- Copies of invoices for machinery/equipment purchased for the infrastructure project.
- A copy of the Term Loan Account Statement from the borrower, showing all transactions including the first installment disbursement.
- Copies of land documents where the project will be established.
- A certificate from the FI regarding the promoter's category. For SC/ST entrepreneurs and cooperatives, certification from the Competent Authority is required.
- A notarized affidavit in original, executed by the promoter on a non-judicial stamp paper as per Annexure XV.
- For partnership firms, a copy of the duly registered partnership deed. For Private Limited Companies, a copy of the Memorandum & Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation.
Official Sources
For the most accurate and updated list of documents and specific formats, please refer to the official scheme guidelines available on the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare website.
FAQ’s
What are the different subsidy rates available under the AMI Scheme?
Under the AMI scheme, a subsidy of 25% is provided for projects in plain areas. For special categories like the North Eastern Region (NER), hilly areas, women promoters, SC/ST promoters, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), a higher subsidy of 33.33% is available.
Can I get a higher subsidy if I am a woman promoter?
Yes, indeed! Women promoters are eligible for the higher subsidy rate of 33.33% under the scheme.
Is it possible for AMI projects to be set up on leased land?
Yes, projects under the AMI scheme can be promoted on leased land.
What is the maximum capacity for cold storage projects under AMI?
Cold storage projects are permitted under the AMI scheme, with a maximum capacity of up to 1000 Metric Tons (MT).
Are FPOs eligible to participate in the AMI Scheme?
Absolutely! Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are eligible beneficiaries under the AMI scheme.
What is the minimum contribution required from the promoter for a project?
The minimum promoter's contribution towards the project cost is 20%.
Can I use my own funds to set up an AMI project as a private entrepreneur?
No, private entrepreneurs cannot solely rely on their own funds. Projects under AMI typically require a credit-linked component, meaning a loan from a financial institution is necessary.
How long do I have to apply for subsidy after the loan is sanctioned?
You can apply for the subsidy within 90 days of the disbursement of the first installment of the Term Loan.
Are transport vehicles eligible for support under AMI?
While general transport vehicles are not allowed, Reefer Vans (refrigerated vans) are permitted under the scheme to maintain the quality of produce during transit.
Does the AMI scheme permit projects to be built in partnership?
Yes, projects can be created and promoted in partnership under the AMI scheme.
What is the deadline for submitting documents after the project is completed to get the final subsidy?
You need to submit the documents for the final subsidy within 18 months from the date the first loan installment was disbursed. An extension of up to 6 months can be granted, but it will involve a penalty.
Is WDRA accreditation necessary for storage infrastructure projects?
WDRA (Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority) accreditation is mandatory only for storage infrastructure projects with a capacity exceeding 1000 MT.
Are there any specific location restrictions for projects under AMI?
Projects can generally be created in any area. However, storage infrastructure projects specifically must be established outside municipal corporation limits.
Do I need permission from local authorities for my project?
Yes, permission from local authorities is required for projects being set up under the AMI scheme.
Are there any restrictions on who can be a promoter for an AMI project?
No, there are no specific restrictions on the eligibility of promoters for the AMI scheme; a wide range of individuals and entities can apply.
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