NEW DELHI: In a decision intended to bolster its promise that new farm laws will not result in dismantling of “mandis”, the Cabinet on Thursday approved modifications to financing under the ‘agriculture infrastructure fund’, allowing it to be used for strengthening state-regulated agriculture markets.
The fund has a kitty of Rs 1 lakh crore for financing different farm-related infra works through easy and low-interest loans up to Rs 2 crore under ‘interest subvention’ scheme. The move comes at a time when the Centre renewed its appeal to agitating farm unions to return to the table even as it ruled out repeal of the laws.