Punjab wins 'Best Performing State' award under AIF scheme

In a remarkable achievement, Punjab has been awarded the prestigious "Best Performing State" title under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme for the year 2023-24. The recognition was conferred by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chauhan at the AIF Excellence Awards Ceremony held in New Delhi.

Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann's visionary leadership, along with the relentless efforts of Punjab’s Horticulture Department, has once again placed the state at the forefront of agricultural development. Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra praised the entire team for their strategic planning and hard work, which resulted in this significant accolade. The introduction of a dedicated Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) and enhanced coordination within the department ensured a rapid escalation of projects under the scheme.

From a modest 164 projects sanctioned in 2021-22, Punjab now boasts an impressive 16,680 projects approved as of August 2024, with investments totaling ₹6,626 crores. These projects range from cold storage units to custom hiring centers, and solar panel installations, significantly boosting the state’s agricultural infrastructure.

Over 70% of AIF beneficiaries in Punjab are farmers, reflecting the government’s commitment to empowering its agricultural community. Punjab’s success is a testament to the strategic focus of the government and its unyielding support for the welfare of farmers.

With the expansion of the AIF Scheme to include PM Kusum Component-A and modern farming techniques such as hydroponic and aeroponic farming, Punjab is set to continue its leadership in agricultural innovation and sustainability.