The Maharashtra Government is likely to launch project to enhance agriculture infrastructure in the state.

The project - Agribusiness Infrastructure Development Investment Program (AIDIP) - will get $85 million (approx Rs 425 crore) funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project aims to achieve accelerated investment in agriculture sector and to support related infrastructure in rural areas. Funds will be used for expanding the whole agriculture product value chain in the state. The project will be developed on PPP model in which private partner will be investing about 60 per cent of project cost and remaining 40 per cent will be borne by the ADB and the state government in the ratio of 80:20. AIDIP will also fast track infrastructure support like last mile roads, power and water supply to the agriculture markets.

In the AIDIP Phase I, crops such as pomegranate, grape, tomato, onion and banana will be given support in Nashik, Jalgaon and Amednagar districts. While Lemon, Kesar mango, Orange and Banana will be covered in the districts of Aurangabad, Amravati, Buldhana, Jalna and Akola.