Chandigarh, March 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab has emerged as the top-performing state in the country in agricultural infrastructure development under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Addressing the State-Level Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Conclave and Felicitation Ceremony organised by the Horticulture Department today in Chandigarh, Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, who attended as the Chief Guest, said that the state has secured the number one position in India in terms of projects sanctioned under the AIF scheme.
He informed that, as of February 2026, a total of 32,823 projects have been sanctioned in Punjab under the AIF scheme, with loans amounting to ₹7,597 crore approved by various financial institutions. Out of this, ₹7,132 crore has already been disbursed to beneficiaries, significantly strengthening farm-level infrastructure across the state.
Highlighting district-wise performance, the Minister said that 8 districts from Punjab figure among the top 10 districts in the country in terms of the highest number of sanctioned AIF projects.These include Ludhiana (3,650 projects), Sangrur (3,155), Bathinda (3,049), Patiala (2,970), Fazilka (2,844), Sri Muktsar Sahib (2,246), Moga (1,758) and Ferozepur (1,680).
Emphasising the state’s focus on crop diversification, Mr. Bhagat said that the government is actively promoting horticulture as a sustainable and profitable alternative for farmers. In this regard, projects worth approximately ₹1,300 crore, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will be implemented over the next 10 years to strengthen the horticulture value chain and improve farmers’ access to high-value markets.
He further stated that Punjab has been recognised as the best-performing state under the AIF scheme, receiving national awards in September 2024 and January 2026. A key booklet on success stories was released during the event
Earlier, Administrative Secretary, Horticulture, Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind and Director Horticulture, Mr. Manish Kumar, presented a detailed overview of the scheme and its impact in the state.
On this occasion, Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Directors (Horticulture), Lead District Managers and NABARD District Development Managers were felicitated for their outstanding role in the effective implementation of the scheme.
During the event, State Bank of India was honoured for its outstanding performance, followed by Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, Punjab Gramin Bank and HDFC Bank.
The conclave was attended by Deputy Commissioners, representatives of banking and financial institutions, farmers and senior officers of the department.
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