Ramanujan Fellowship 2026

The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme helps boost farmers' income by improving agricultural value chains, focusing on Read More... post-harvest management and processing. Read less

Details

The Indian government is committed to increasing farmers' income. One key way to achieve this is by improving how agricultural produce is marketed and processed. The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) sub-scheme, part of the Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM), is designed to do just that. It focuses on creating better infrastructure for agricultural marketing across the country.

What Is This Scheme?

The AMI scheme supports the creation of essential infrastructure for agricultural marketing. This includes building modern storage facilities, upgrading rural markets (haats) into Grameen Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), and developing common facilitation centres for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The scheme aims to add value to farm produce right at the farmers' level, making their produce more marketable and increasing their earnings. It is a credit-linked, back-ended subsidy scheme that will continue until March 31, 2026.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

A wide range of individuals and groups can benefit from the AMI scheme. This includes individual farmers, agri-preneurs, farmer groups, FPOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), cooperative societies, firms, companies, NGOs, and even state government agencies. Essentially, anyone looking to invest in or develop agricultural marketing infrastructure is eligible.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme is crucial for bridging gaps in the agricultural value chain. By providing financial support for infrastructure development, it aims to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce, create more competitive marketing options, reduce losses after harvest, and promote easier access to markets and finance. It also helps connect farmers directly to consumers and integrates rural markets with the national e-NAM portal.

Objective

The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme helps boost farmers' income by improving agricultural value chains, focusing on post-harvest management and processing.

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

Scheme Details

Eligibility Criteria

Any individual, group, or organization keen on developing agricultural marketing infrastructure can apply for this scheme. There are no specific restrictions on who can be a promoter.

How To Apply

The application process involves several steps, typically routed through a financing institution:

Submit an advance subsidy claim application in the prescribed format.
This application, along with supporting documents, needs to be sent through the controlling/nodal office of the financing branch to NABARD.
Ensure all necessary documents as per the checklist are enclosed and clearly certified by the controlling/nodal office.
The complete address and contact details of both the controlling/nodal office and the financing branch must be provided.
A copy of the forwarded application should also be sent to the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI) Regional/Sub-Regional Office.

For detailed project proposals and specific application procedures, it is advisable to consult with the designated financing institutions and official scheme guidelines.

Documents Required

Forwarding letter from the Controlling/Nodal Office of the financing branch.
Advance subsidy claim application form (as per Annexure-V).
Copy of the project report, including item-wise cost details, total outlay, loan amount, and promoter's margin.
Technical and financial appraisal report from the financing institution.
Copy of the approved plan/map and civil drawings showing dimensions and capacity.
Loan sanction letter from the financing institution and invoices for machinery/equipment, if any.
Copy of the Term Loan Account Statement of the borrower, showing all transactions and the first installment disbursement.
Copies of land documents where the project will be established.
Certificate from the financing institution on the promoter's category. For SC/ST entrepreneurs and Cooperatives, certification from the Competent Authority is required.
Notarized Affidavit in Original on a non-judicial stamp paper (as per Annexure XV).
For partnership firms: Copy of the duly registered partnership deed. For Private Limited Companies: Memorandum & Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation.

FAQ’s

What is the minimum contribution required from the promoter?

The promoter must contribute at least 20% of the project cost.

Can projects be set up on leased land?

Yes, projects under the AMI scheme can be promoted on lease land.

Are Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) eligible for this scheme?

Yes, FPOs are eligible to apply and benefit from the AMI scheme.

Is WDRA accreditation necessary for storage infrastructure?

WDRA accreditation is mandatory for storage infrastructure projects exceeding 1000 MT capacity.

Can I apply for subsidy if I fund the project entirely with my own money?

No, projects under AMI cannot be funded solely with own funds by private entrepreneurs; it requires credit linkage.

What is the maximum capacity for cold storage units allowed?

Cold storage units up to 1000 MT are permitted under the AMI scheme.

How much subsidy is provided under the scheme?

A subsidy of 25% is provided under the general category, and 33.33% is given to special categories.

Are transport vehicles eligible for support under AMI?

While general transport vehicles are not allowed, Reefer Vans specifically for post-harvest operations are permitted.

Is there a specific timeframe to apply for subsidy after getting a loan?

You can apply for subsidy within 90 days from the date the first installment of the Term Loan is disbursed.

Is higher subsidy available for women promoters?

Yes, women promoters are eligible for a higher subsidy rate of 33.33%.

Can AMI projects be set up in partnership?

Yes, projects can be created and promoted in partnership under the AMI scheme.

Is permission from local authorities needed for AMI projects?

Yes, permission from local authorities is required for projects under the AMI scheme.

Can promoters get interest subvention from AIF along with AMI?

Yes, promoters of AMI projects can avail interest subvention benefits under the Affordable Industrial Housing (AIF) scheme.

What is the deadline to submit documents after project completion for final subsidy?

Documents for final subsidy must be submitted within 18 months from the first loan installment disbursement. An extension of 6 months is possible with a penalty.

Are there any restrictions on who can be a promoter?

No, there are no restrictions on the eligibility of promoters for this scheme.

Can projects be established in any location?

Yes, projects can be created in any area, but storage infrastructure projects must be located outside municipal corporation limits.