Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme

🌾 Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme | Empowering Agri-Entrepreneurs Across India

The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme was launched in 2002 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, to promote agriculture development and rural entrepreneurship.

The scheme encourages agri-graduates, diploma holders, and allied science professionals to become agri-preneurs by providing advisory services, agri-input supply, and business ventures that support farmers and boost rural employment.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) acts as the subsidy channelizing agency for the AC&ABC scheme.

🎯 Objectives of the AC&ABC Scheme

• Promote self-employment opportunities for unemployed agriculture and allied graduates.

• Strengthen agriculture extension services by supplementing government efforts.

• Encourage agri-based startups and enterprises for income generation and rural development.

🚀 Start-up Training & Support

The Government provides specialized start-up training for graduates in:
Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Veterinary Sciences, Forestry, Dairy, Poultry, Fisheries, and other allied sectors.

After completing the training, candidates can apply for start-up loans and subsidies to establish their ventures under this scheme.

🌱 Key Components of the Scheme

1️⃣ Agri-Clinics

Agri-Clinics provide expert agricultural advisory and technical services to farmers to improve crop and livestock productivity.
Services include:

• Soil health and crop management

• Plant protection and pest control

• Crop insurance guidance

• Post-harvest management

• Animal healthcare and feed management

• Market price information

2️⃣ Agri-Business Centres

Agri-Business Centres are commercial ventures run by trained agri-professionals that offer:

• Sale and custom hiring of farm equipment

• Supply of quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides

• Post-harvest processing, packaging, and marketing services

• Value addition and market linkage for farmers

💰 Financial Assistance & Support

The scheme provides:

• Full financial support for training and business handholding.

• Credit-linked back-end subsidy for eligible projects.

• Assistance for loans through banks with NABARD as the channelizing agency.

🧩 Eligible Project Activities

• Agricultural extension consultancy

• Soil and water testing laboratories

• Pest surveillance and control services

• Custom hiring of farm machinery

• Seed processing and tissue culture labs

• Bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide production units

• Beekeeping and honey processing

• Dairy, poultry, and fishery ventures

• Veterinary dispensaries and animal health services

• Rural IT kiosks for agriculture-related information

• Feed processing, cold chain units, and agri-retail outlets

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be 18 to 60 years old and qualify under any of the following:

• Graduates in Agriculture or Allied Subjects from recognized universities (ICAR/UGC/SAU).

• Diploma/Post-Graduate Diploma holders (minimum 50% marks) in Agriculture or Allied Sectors.

• Biological Science Graduates with a Post-Graduate degree in Agriculture.

• Intermediate in Agriculture (Class 12 with at least 55% marks).

Note: Retired employees receiving pensions are not eligible for subsidies but can apply for self-financed projects.

📝 Application Process (Online)

Step 1: Visit the official AC&ABC portal.
Step 2: Fill in all mandatory details and upload the required documents.
Step 3: Submit the application and note the reference number.
Step 4: Applicants can track their application status through the official website.

📄 Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card or valid ID proof (PAN/Voter ID/Passport)

• Latest Educational Qualification Certificate

• Bank Account Details

• Applicant’s Photograph

• Email ID and Mobile Number

🌿 Why Choose the AC&ABC Scheme?

• Government-backed training and financial support

• Opportunity to become a successful agri-entrepreneur

• Boosts agriculture innovation and rural employment

• Strengthens farmer advisory and input delivery services

👉 Apply today for the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme and turn your agricultural knowledge into a successful business venture.
Empower rural India while building your future in sustainable agri-enterprise.