Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Many agriculture graduates want to start their own business but may not have enough money or experience. To help them, the Government of India started the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme in April 2002. Under this scheme, eligible agriculture graduates and diploma holders get 45 days of free training to learn how to start and run an agriculture-related business. They can also get a bank loan with a subsidy of up to 44% of the eligible project cost, as per the scheme rules.

The scheme is run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, arranges training through approved training centres. NABARD helps banks provide the subsidy to eligible candidates.

The main aim of this scheme is to help agriculture graduates start their own businesses and earn a living. It also helps farmers get useful farming advice and services near their villages. Through these businesses, farmers can get help with growing crops, protecting plants and improving their farming practices.

Under the scheme, candidates can start two types of businesses: Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres. Agri-Clinics help farmers with advice on soil testing, crop growing, plant protection, crop insurance and animal health. Agri-Business Centres offer services such as selling seeds and fertilisers, renting farm machines, running nurseries, and providing dairy, poultry and fisheries services. These businesses help farmers get the services they need and give trained candidates a chance to earn money.

The scheme also provides financial help to start these businesses. General category candidates can get a subsidy of 36% of the eligible project cost. Women, SC/ST candidates, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and eligible candidates from North-Eastern and Hill States can get a subsidy of 44%. The project cost considered for subsidy can be up to ₹20 lakh for an individual business and ₹100 lakh for a group business started by at least five trained candidates. In some cases, exceptionally successful individual projects may qualify for a limit of ₹25 lakh. The subsidy is linked to the bank loan and is not paid directly to the candidate as cash.

Agriculture and allied-sector graduates, eligible diploma holders and postgraduate diploma holders can apply for the scheme. Applicants must generally be between 21 and 60 years old. Eligible subjects include Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Fisheries, Forestry and Agricultural Engineering, along with other recognised related subjects. Applicants must meet the education requirements given in the scheme guidelines.

Interested candidates can apply through the ACABC MIS Portal. After applying, candidates are screened and selected for the 45-day training programme. During the training, they learn how to plan a business and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). After completing the training, they can apply for a business loan at a participating bank. The bank checks the application and decides whether to approve the loan. If all scheme conditions are met, the eligible subsidy is processed through the bank.

For help with registration or training, candidates can call the ACABC helpdesk at 9951851556 or email [email protected]. More information, guidelines and training notices are available on the ACABC programme website.

Scheme Benefits

The ACABC Scheme helps eligible agriculture graduates start their own businesses by providing training, bank loan support and subsidy. Here are the main benefits of the scheme:

• Candidates get 45 days of training to learn how to start and run an agriculture-related business.
• After completing the training, they can apply for a bank loan to start an Agri-Clinic or Agri-Business Centre.
• General category candidates can get a subsidy of 36% of the eligible project cost. Women, SC/ST candidates, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and eligible candidates from North-Eastern and Hill States can get a subsidy of 44%.
• For an individual project, the cost considered for subsidy can be up to ₹20 lakh. In some cases, exceptionally successful projects may qualify for a limit of ₹25 lakh.
• For a group project started by at least five trained candidates, the project cost considered for subsidy can be up to ₹100 lakh.
• The subsidy is linked to the bank loan and is provided through the bank after the required conditions are met. It is not given directly to the candidate as cash.
• Candidates also get guidance on preparing a business plan, making a project report and applying for a bank loan.
• They can start businesses that provide services such as soil testing, crop advice, farm machinery rental, sale of seeds and fertilisers, and other farming-related services.
• The scheme gives agriculture graduates a chance to become self-employed while helping farmers get useful farming advice and services closer to their villages.

Subsidy and Loan Details Under Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres

The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme provides financial support to eligible candidates through a bank loan and a government subsidy. Candidates first need to complete the prescribed training and prepare a project report for the business they want to start. They can then approach a participating bank for a loan.

The subsidy is linked to the bank loan and is calculated as a percentage of the eligible project cost. The applicable subsidy rates are:

• General category candidates can receive a subsidy of 36% of the eligible project cost.
• Women, SC/ST candidates, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and eligible candidates from North-Eastern and Hill States can receive a subsidy of 44%.

The project cost considered for subsidy is subject to the following limits:

• After training, candidates must prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and apply for a loan at a participating bank.
• The bank checks the project and the candidate's repayment capacity before approving the loan.
• If the loan is approved and the project meets the scheme rules, the eligible subsidy is processed through the bank.
• The subsidy is kept in a separate account for a three-year lock-in period and is adjusted against the loan after the required conditions are met.
• The subsidy is not paid directly to the candidate as cash, and completing the training does not guarantee loan approval.

Types of Businesses Covered Under the Scheme

Under the ACABC Scheme, eligible candidates can start two types of agriculture-related businesses. These businesses provide different services to farmers:

Agri-Clinics

Agri-Clinics provide farmers with expert advice and guidance to improve their farming practices. Candidates can offer services such as:

• Soil testing and soil health advice.
• Crop planning and cultivation guidance.
• Advice on plant protection and pest control.
• Information about crop insurance.
• Guidance on animal health and other farming-related problems.

Agri-Business Centres

Agri-Business Centres provide agricultural products and services that farmers need. Candidates can start businesses such as:

• Seed, fertiliser and pesticide shops.
• Farm machinery sales, repair and rental centres.
• Soil testing laboratories and plant nurseries.
• Dairy, poultry and fisheries units.
• Post-harvest management and other agricultural service centres.

Candidates can choose a suitable business according to their qualifications, resources and the needs of farmers in their area. The proposed business must also meet the activities permitted under the scheme.

Eligibility Requirements

The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme is open to eligible candidates with an educational background in agriculture and allied fields. Applicants must meet the following conditions to receive training and become eligible for financial assistance under the scheme:

• The applicant must generally be between 21 and 60 years of age.
• The applicant must have a degree in Agriculture or an eligible allied subject, such as Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Fisheries, Forestry, Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology or other recognised agriculture-related fields.
• Candidates who have completed a recognised three-year diploma in agriculture or an allied subject after Class 12, with at least 50% marks, can also apply.
• Applicants holding a postgraduate diploma in agriculture or an allied field may also be eligible.
• The educational qualification must be from a recognised university or institution and should meet the requirements specified in the scheme guidelines.
• Candidates from certain other science backgrounds may also qualify if their qualifications are recognised under the scheme guidelines.
• Serving employees and retired officials receiving pensionary benefits are generally not eligible for the scheme's subsidy.
• To become eligible for the credit-linked subsidy, applicants must complete the prescribed ACABC training and fulfil the other scheme conditions.

The upper age limit for obtaining credit after completing the training is 62 years. Meeting the educational and age requirements does not guarantee a bank loan or subsidy, as the applicant and proposed project must also satisfy the applicable scheme and bank requirements.

Required Documents

Applicants interested in applying for the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme should keep the following documents ready for registration, training and the loan application process:

• Aadhaar card or another valid identity proof.
• Recent passport-size photographs.
• Educational certificates and mark sheets to prove the required qualification in agriculture or an allied field.
• Diploma or postgraduate diploma certificate, if applicable.
• Age proof, such as a birth certificate or Class 10 certificate.
• Address proof, such as a voter ID card, driving licence or utility bill.
• Category certificate for applicants claiming benefits under SC/ST or other eligible categories, if applicable.
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) describing the proposed agriculture-related business, its estimated cost and financial requirements.
• Bank account details and other documents required by the lending bank.

The exact documents may vary depending on the applicant's educational qualification, category and proposed business. The training institute or bank may ask for additional documents during the application and loan approval process.

Steps to Apply

Applying for the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme involves two main stages: first, registering for the training programme and completing the selection process, and then arranging a bank loan to start the proposed business. Follow these steps to understand how the process works:

• First, open the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres MIS Portal. This is the online portal used for candidate registration and training-related applications.

• On the portal, go to the candidate registration section. You can also open the Applicant Registration page directly.
• Enter the required details in the application form, including your personal information, contact details and educational qualifications. Provide correct information and upload the documents requested on the portal.
• Submit the application for the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres training programme. The application process may include a prescribed registration fee, so check the amount and payment instructions displayed on the portal before making the payment.
• After receiving your application, the concerned Nodal Training Institute (NTI) carries out the screening and selection process. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview or other assessment as part of the selection process.
• Once selected, complete the 45-day residential training programme at the allotted NTI. The training covers agricultural entrepreneurship, business planning and the practical steps involved in setting up an agriculture-related venture.
• Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the business you want to establish. The report should explain the proposed activity, estimated project cost, financial requirements and business plan. Candidates receive guidance on preparing the project report during the training programme.
• After completing the training, approach a participating bank with your training certificate, DPR and other required documents to apply for a business loan. You may also check the loan application facility through the JanSamarth Portal, where applicable.
• The bank will examine your project, financial requirements and repayment capacity before deciding whether to approve the loan. Completing the training does not automatically guarantee loan approval.
• If the loan is sanctioned and the project meets the scheme conditions, the eligible credit-linked subsidy is processed through the bank and the prescribed NABARD procedure. The subsidy is not transferred directly to the applicant's personal bank account as an upfront payment.

For help with candidate registration or training-related queries, you can contact the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres helpdesk at 9951851556 or email [email protected].

Relevant Links

• Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme Online Application Portal
• Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme Portal
• Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Revised Guidelines and Government Orders
• MANAGE Guidelines, Circulars and Programme Documents
• NABARD Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme Information

Contact Information

For queries related to candidate registration, training and the implementation of the ACABC Scheme, applicants can contact the MANAGE helpdesk or the scheme's Principal Coordinator.

ACABC Scheme Helpdesk – MANAGE

• Phone: 9951851556 (Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM)
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Centre for Agri-entrepreneurship Development (CAD), National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030, Telangana, India.

Principal Coordinator – ACABC Scheme

• Name: Dr. Shahaji Sambhaji Phand
• Phone: 040-24016706 (Extensions 228 and 409)
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Centre for Agri-entrepreneurship Development (CAD), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030, Telangana, India.