Can I build a cold storage unit with an AIF loan and what does it cover?

Yes, cold storage is one of the project types eligible under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. AIF is designed for post-harvest management and community farming assets, and cold storage, cold chain, ripening chambers, reefer transport linked to the project and similar storage infrastructure generally fall within the eligible list. The loan can cover civil construction, the cooling plant and equipment, and related project costs as appraised by your bank. You get the 3 percent interest subvention up to the loan ceiling and, for eligible loans, credit guarantee cover. A few practical things for a cold store. First, cold storage is capital heavy and runs on continuous power, so factor in electricity cost, a backup arrangement and realistic occupancy through the year, not just the potato season. Second, location matters, near production clusters and with good road access. Third, AIF can often be combined with other capital subsidy schemes for cold storage such as horticulture mission support, but you usually cannot claim the same cost twice from two schemes, so plan the funding mix carefully. Get a proper detailed project report and a refrigeration engineer to size the plant before you borrow. Confirm eligible cost items, the current ceiling and any convergence rules on the official AIF agriinfra portal or with your bank. This is general information and not financial advice.