New Delhi, Dec. 26 -- More than five years after it was launched as a pandemic-era stimulus, the agriculture infrastructure fund (AIF) may be set for a substantial scale-up. The Centre is considering an additional allocation of over Rs.1 trillion to the scheme over the next five years in the upcoming Union budget, according to two people aware of the development.

The move aims to accelerate the creation of post-harvest infrastructure and reduce farm-level losses, particularly in perishable crops.

The proposal also underscores the government's efforts to make agricultural infrastructure a cornerstone of farm sector reforms, at a time when agriculture and allied activities account for about 18% of India's GDP and employ nearly 46% of the ...