- The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme was launched in April 2002.
- It helps eligible agriculture graduates start their own agriculture-related businesses.
- Selected candidates receive 45 days of specialised training.
- General category candidates can get a 36% subsidy, while eligible special category candidates can get up to 44%.
- The scheme supports individual projects up to ₹20 lakh and group projects up to ₹100 lakh for subsidy purposes.
- ACABC Scheme Helpdesk – MANAGE
- Phone: 9951851556 (Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM)
- Email: acabc-manage@manage.gov.in
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Summary of the Scheme
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|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme |
| Launch Year | April 2002 |
| Benefits | Up to 44% credit-linked subsidy on eligible project cost. |
| Beneficiary | Eligible agriculture and allied-sector graduates, diploma and postgraduate diploma holders. |
| Nodal Agency | National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Online through the ACABC Portal. |
Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme
Many agriculture graduates want to start their own business but lack money, experience, or a business plan, while farmers often have to travel far for expert advice and inputs. The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme, launched in April 2002 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, trains eligible graduates and then backs their business with a credit-linked subsidy. The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, arranges training through approved centres, and NABARD helps banks provide the subsidy.
Key Benefits
- 45 days of residential training at an approved Nodal Training Institute (NTI), covering agri-entrepreneurship, business planning, and how to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- Credit-linked subsidy on the bank loan:
- 36% for General category candidates
- 44% for women, SC/ST candidates, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and eligible candidates from North-Eastern and Hill States
- Guidance on preparing a business plan and applying for a loan
- A chance at self-employment, while farmers get advice and services near their villages
Project cost limits for subsidy
| Type of project | Limit |
|---|---|
| Individual project | Up to ₹20 lakh |
| Exceptionally successful individual project | Up to ₹25 lakh |
| Group project (at least five trained candidates) | Up to ₹100 lakh |
How the subsidy works: It is linked to the bank loan and is not paid to you as cash. It is held in a separate account for a three-year lock-in and adjusted against the loan after the conditions are met. Completing training does not guarantee a loan.
Businesses You Can Start
Agri-Clinics offer farmers:
- Soil testing and soil health advice
- Crop planning and cultivation guidance
- Plant protection and pest control advice
- Crop insurance information
- Animal health guidance
Agri-Business Centres can include:
- Seed, fertiliser, and pesticide shops
- Farm machinery sales, repair, and rental
- Soil testing labs and plant nurseries
- Dairy, poultry, and fisheries units
- Post-harvest management and other agricultural services
Who Can Apply?
- Generally aged 21 to 60. The upper age limit for obtaining credit after training is 62.
- A degree in Agriculture or an allied subject such as Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Fisheries, Forestry, Agricultural Engineering, or Food Technology
- Or a recognised three-year diploma in agriculture or an allied subject after Class 12, with at least 50% marks
- Or a postgraduate diploma in agriculture or an allied field
- Qualifications must be from a recognised university or institution
- Some other science backgrounds may qualify if recognised under the guidelines
- Serving employees and retired officials receiving pension are generally not eligible for the subsidy
Meeting these conditions does not guarantee a loan or subsidy.
Documents You May Need
- Aadhaar or another valid ID
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Educational certificates and marksheets
- Diploma or postgraduate diploma certificate, if applicable
- Age proof (birth certificate or Class 10 certificate)
- Address proof (voter ID, driving licence, or utility bill)
- Category certificate for SC/ST or other eligible categories
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed business
- Bank account details and any other documents the lending bank asks for
How to Apply
The process has two stages: training first, then the loan.
- Open the ACABC MIS Portal and go to candidate registration.
- Fill in the form with personal, contact, and education details, and upload the documents. The process may include a registration fee, so check the amount and payment instructions on the portal.
- Screening and selection are carried out by the concerned NTI. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview or assessment.
- Complete the 45-day residential training at your allotted NTI.
- Prepare your DPR with guidance from the training.
- Apply to a participating bank with your training certificate, DPR, and other documents. You can also check the loan facility on the JanSamarth Portal, where applicable.
- Bank assessment: The bank evaluates your project and repayment capacity before approving the loan.
- Subsidy processing: If the loan is sanctioned and scheme conditions are met, the eligible subsidy is processed through the bank under the NABARD procedure.
Contact
ACABC Scheme Helpdesk, MANAGE
Phone: 9951851556 (Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM)
Email: acabc-manage@manage.gov.in
Address: Centre for Agri-entrepreneurship Development (CAD), MANAGE, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500 030, Telangana
Principal Coordinator, ACABC Scheme
Phone: 040-24016706 (Extensions 228 and 409)
Email: balraje.shahaji@manage.gov.in