Agri-Clinics And Agri-Business Centers Scheme

Contents

  • Details
  • Benefits
  • Eligibility
  • Exclusions
  • Application Process
  • Documents Required
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Sources And References


Details

The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centers (ACABC) Scheme is an initiative launched by the Government of India in 2002 to promote entrepreneurship and provide employment opportunities to the rural youth in the agriculture sector. The scheme is implemented by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders.

The main objective of the scheme is to provide technical and business support to farmers and rural entrepreneurs by establishing agri-clinics and agri-business centers. These centers provide various services such as soil testing, plant protection, farm machinery repair and maintenance, training, marketing, and other related services.

The following are the key features of the ACABC scheme:

  • Eligibility: Any individual, group of individuals, Self Help Groups (SHGs), NGOs, farmers' clubs, agri-entrepreneurs, and agricultural graduates can apply for the scheme.
  • Funding: The scheme provides a subsidy of up to 33% of the project cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 10 lakh. The rest of the project cost can be financed through bank loans or other sources.
  • Training: The scheme provides training to the selected candidates in various aspects of agriculture such as soil testing, seed production, nursery management, plant protection, farm machinery repair, and marketing.
  • Technical Support: The scheme provides technical support in the form of equipment, machinery, and other inputs required for the agri-clinics and agri-business centers.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: The scheme is monitored and evaluated by the concerned state governments and NABARD.
  • Focus: The scheme focuses on promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities in rural areas, especially among the youth.

The ACABC scheme has been successful in promoting agri-entrepreneurship and providing employment opportunities to the rural youth. As of 2021, more than 1 lakh agri-clinics and agri-business centers have been established under the scheme, creating job opportunities for over 1.5 lakh people.









Benefits

The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centers (ACABC) Scheme has several benefits for the rural youth and farmers in India. Some of the major benefits of the scheme are:

  • Employment opportunities: The scheme provides employment opportunities to the rural youth by promoting agri-entrepreneurship and self-employment. The establishment of agri-clinics and agri-business centers has created job opportunities for thousands of people in the rural areas.
  • Technical and business support: The scheme provides technical and business support to farmers and rural entrepreneurs by establishing agri-clinics and agri-business centers. These centers provide various services such as soil testing, plant protection, farm machinery repair and maintenance, training, marketing, and other related services.
  • Increased agricultural productivity: The scheme aims to increase agricultural productivity by providing technical support and training to farmers. The services provided by the agri-clinics and agri-business centers help in improving the quality of inputs, crop yields, and farm income.
  • Rural development: The scheme promotes rural development by encouraging entrepreneurship and self-employment in the rural areas. It also helps in improving the socio-economic conditions of the rural communities by providing employment opportunities and increasing agricultural productivity.
  • Access to technology and information: The scheme provides access to technology and information to farmers and rural entrepreneurs. The training and technical support provided by the agri-clinics and agri-business centers help in improving the knowledge and skills of the farmers.


Agri-Clinics 

Agri-Clinics are intended to provide expert advice and services to farmers on a variety of topics in order to increase crop/animal productivity and farmer income. Agri-Clinics offer assistance in the following areas:

  • The state of the soil
  • Cropping methods
  • Plant protection 
  • Crop insurance Post-harvest technology Clinical services for animals, feed and fodder management Market prices for various crops, etc.
Agri-Business Centers -

Agri-Business Centers are commercial agri-venture units founded by trained agriculture professionals. These ventures may include farm equipment maintenance and custom hiring, the sale of inputs, and other agricultural and allied services, such as post-harvest management and market linkages for income generation and entrepreneurship development.


The scheme includes full financial support for training and mentoring, loan provision, and credit-linked back-end composite subsidies.

Project activities 

  • Extension consultancy services
  • Soil and water quality cum inputs testing laboratories (with Atomic Absorption Spectrometers)
  • Pest surveillance, diagnostic and control services
  • Maintenance, repairs, and custom hiring of agricultural implements and machinery including micro-irrigation systems (sprinkler and drip)
  • Agri Service Centers include the three activities mentioned above (Group Activity).
  • Seed Processing Units
  • Micro-propagation through Plant Tissue Culture Labs and Hardening Units
  • Setting up of Vermiculite units, production of bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and bio-control agents.
  • Setting up of Apiaries (bee-keeping) and honey & bee products' processing units
  • Provision of Extension Consultancy Services
  • Hatcheries and production of fish fingerlings for aquaculture
  • Provision of livestock health cover, setting up veterinary dispensaries & services including frozen semen banks and liquid nitrogen supply
  • Setting up of Information Technology Kiosks in rural areas for access to various agriculture-related portals
  • Feed Processing and testing units
  • Value Addition Centers
  • Setting up of Cool Chain from the farm level onward (Group Activity)
  • Retail marketing outlets for processed agri-products
  • Rural marketing dealerships of farm inputs and outputs



    • Eligibility


    The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centers (ACABC) Scheme is open to a wide range of individuals and organizations. The eligibility criteria for the scheme are as follows:

    • Individual applicants: Any individual who is a citizen of India and has a minimum educational qualification of a diploma or degree in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, veterinary science, dairy, fisheries, or any other allied sector can apply for the scheme.
    • Group applicants: Groups of individuals, such as Self Help Groups (SHGs), NGOs, farmers' clubs, agri-entrepreneurs, and agricultural graduates, can also apply for the scheme. The group should have a minimum of three members.
    • Age limit: The age limit for individual applicants is between 18 to 60 years. For group applicants, at least 50% of the members should be between 18 to 60 years of age.
    • Financial eligibility: The applicant should have a minimum of 5 acres of land for agricultural activities, or the land should be on lease or rent.
    • Bank account: The applicant should have a bank account in his/her name.
    • No criminal record: The applicant should not have any criminal record.

    It is important to note that the eligibility criteria may vary slightly from state to state, depending on the guidelines of the concerned state government. Applicants should carefully read the guidelines and eligibility criteria before applying for the scheme.



    Exclusions

    Retired Employees Getting Pensionary Benefits Are Not Eligible For Subsidy. However, They Can Undergo Training And Establish Self Financed Projects.

    Application Process

    Step 1: The desirous applicant must visit the following link to apply for the scheme -

    Step 2:  Fill in the mandatory fields correctly. Upload the required documents in the said format and size.

    Step 3: Click "Submit" to complete the application process.

    The applicant can check his/her application status by visiting this link - https://acabcmis.gov.in/ApplicationStatus_new.aspx



    Documents Required

    1. Applicant Aadhaar Number.
    2. Email ID.
    3. Latest Educational Qualification.
    4. Applicant's Bank Account Details.
    5. Applicant photo


    Till such time as Aadhaar is assigned to an individual, she/he can avail the benefit of the scheme on the production of the following documents: 
    Aadhaar enrolment ID slip/ Copy of request for Aadhaar enrolment and Voter Identity Card/ PAN/ Passport/ Ration Card/ Employee Government ID/ Passbook of Bank or Post Office/ MGNREGS Card/ Kisan Photo Passport/ Driving Licenses/ any other document as specified by State/ UT.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centers (ACABC) Scheme:

    What is the objective of the ACABC Scheme?
    The objective of the ACABC Scheme is to provide agri-entrepreneurship opportunities and support services to rural youth and farmers, thereby promoting rural development and increasing agricultural productivity.

    How can I apply for the ACABC Scheme?
    You can apply for the ACABC Scheme by contacting the nearest bank branch or agriculture department office, or by visiting the official website of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) and downloading the application form.

    What is the financial assistance provided under the scheme?
    Under the ACABC Scheme, the government provides a subsidy of up to 33% of the total project cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 10 lakhs. The rest of the project cost has to be borne by the applicant.

    What are the services provided by the agri-clinics and agri-business centers?
    The agri-clinics and agri-business centers provide a wide range of services, such as soil testing, plant protection, farm machinery repair and maintenance, training, marketing, and other related services.

    What is the duration of the training program under the scheme?
    The training program under the ACABC Scheme is for a period of 60 days, and covers topics such as entrepreneurship development, technical skills, marketing, and project management.

    Can I apply for the scheme if I already have a business in the agricultural sector?
    Yes, you can apply for the scheme if you already have a business in the agricultural sector, provided that you fulfill the eligibility criteria and have not availed financial assistance under any other government scheme for the same project.

    Can I apply for the scheme if I do not have my own land?
    Yes, you can apply for the scheme even if you do not have your own land. However, you need to have the land on lease or rent, and it should be used for agricultural activities.

    Is there any age limit to apply for the scheme?
    Yes, the age limit for individual applicants is between 21 to 45 years. For group applicants, at least 50% of the members should be between 21 to 45 years of age.

    Is the ACABC Scheme available throughout India?
    Yes, the ACABC Scheme is available throughout India, and is implemented by the respective state governments. However, the guidelines and eligibility criteria may vary slightly from state to state.

    What is the repayment period for the loan provided under the scheme?
    The repayment period for the loan provided under the ACABC Scheme is up to 7 years, with a moratorium period of 2 years. The interest rate on the loan is determined by the bank.



    Sources And References