Launched in 2002 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC & ABC) Scheme is a welfare initiative designed to boost agricultural development by complementing public extension services. The scheme aims to provide professional extension, advisory, and related services to farmers either on a fee basis or free of cost, based on local needs and affordability. It also creates gainful self-employment opportunities for unemployed agricultural graduates, diploma holders, and graduates in biological sciences who have specialized in agriculture-related subjects. NABARD acts as a subsidy channelizing agency for the scheme.
Additionally, the government offers start-up training for graduates in Agriculture or allied fields (e.g., Horticulture, Sericulture, Veterinary Sciences, Forestry, Dairy, Poultry, Fisheries, etc.). Graduates who successfully complete the training may apply for special start-up loans to establish their own agri-business ventures.
Benefits
Agri-Clinics:
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Provide expert advice and services to farmers on various aspects such as:
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Soil health, cropping practices, plant protection, and crop insurance.
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Post-harvest technology.
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Clinical services for animals, including feed and fodder management.
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Market information regarding crop prices.
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Agri-Business Centres:
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Serve as commercial units established by trained agriculture professionals.
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Activities include:
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Maintenance and custom hiring of farm equipment.
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Sale of inputs and other agriculture-related services.
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Post-harvest management.
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Market linkages for agri-products.
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The scheme covers comprehensive support including:
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Full financial support for training and handholding.
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Provision of loans.
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Credit-linked back-end composite subsidies.
Project Activities
The scheme supports a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:
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Extension consultancy services.
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Setting up soil and water quality testing laboratories.
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Pest surveillance, diagnostic, and control services.
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Maintenance, repairs, and custom hiring of agricultural implements and machinery (including micro-irrigation systems).
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Establishment of Agri Service Centres (group activity).
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Seed processing units.
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Micro-propagation through plant tissue culture labs and hardening units.
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Setting up of vermiculture units and production of bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and bio-control agents.
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Establishment of apiaries and honey processing units.
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Provision of extension consultancy services.
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Hatcheries and production of fish fingerlings for aquaculture.
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Establishment of veterinary dispensaries, frozen semen banks, and related services.
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Setting up of IT kiosks for accessing agriculture-related portals.
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Feed processing and testing units.
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Value addition centres.
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Setting up of cool chain facilities from the farm level.
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Retail marketing outlets for processed agri-products.
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Rural marketing dealerships for farm inputs and outputs.
Eligibility
Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years of age and qualify as one of the following:
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Graduates:
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In agriculture and allied subjects from State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs), or Universities recognized by ICAR/UGC.
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Degrees from other agencies may be considered subject to approval by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation on recommendation of the State Government.
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Diploma Holders:
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With at least 50% marks or Post Graduate Diploma holders in Agriculture and allied subjects from State Agricultural Universities, State Agriculture Departments, or State Departments of Technical Education.
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Diplomas from other agencies may be considered with appropriate approvals.
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Biological Science Graduates:
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With a post-graduate degree in Agriculture and allied subjects.
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Other Courses:
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Degree courses recognized by UGC with at least 60% of course content in Agriculture and allied subjects.
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Diploma/Post Graduate Diploma courses with more than 60% of content in Agriculture after a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences.
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Agriculture-related courses at the intermediate (plus two) level, with at least 55% marks.
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Exclusions:
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Retired employees receiving pensionary benefits are not eligible for subsidy, though they may undergo training and establish self-financed projects.
Application Process
Online Process:
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Visit the Official Website:
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Access the application portal for the scheme.
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Fill in Mandatory Fields:
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Complete the application form with all required details (personal, educational, and contact information).
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Upload Required Documents:
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Ensure that documents are uploaded in the prescribed format and size.
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Submit the Application:
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Click “Submit” to complete the online application process.
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Check Application Status:
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Applicants can track their application status using the designated link provided on the portal.
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Documents Required
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Applicant’s Aadhaar Number.
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Email ID.
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Latest Educational Qualification Certificates.
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Applicant’s Bank Account Details.
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Recent Applicant Photograph.
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If Aadhaar is not yet assigned, alternative documents such as Aadhaar Enrolment ID Slip, Voter Identity Card, PAN, Passport, Ration Card, Employee Government ID, Passbook, MGNREGS Card, Kisan Photo Passport, Driving License, etc., as specified by the State/UT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the objective of the scheme?
To supplement public extension services and promote agricultural development through the establishment of Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres, thereby creating self-employment opportunities and increasing farmers’ incomes. -
Who is eligible to apply?
Unemployed agricultural graduates, diploma holders, and agriculture-related course graduates from recognized institutions; also biological science graduates with PG in agri-related subjects. -
Are there any restrictions on who can benefit?
The scheme excludes retired employees receiving pension benefits. -
What types of services do Agri-Clinics provide?
They offer expert advice on soil health, cropping practices, plant protection, post-harvest technology, animal clinical services, feed and fodder management, and market price information. -
What services do Agri-Business Centres offer?
They provide maintenance, custom hiring of farm equipment, sale of inputs, post-harvest management, and market linkages. -
Is there financial assistance available for training?
Yes, full financial support for training and handholding is provided, along with provision of loans and credit-linked subsidies. -
How can I apply for the scheme?
Applications are to be submitted online through the official portal. -
What documents are required to support the application?
The required documents include the applicant’s Aadhaar Number, educational certificates, bank account details, and a recent photograph, among others. -
How can I track my application?
The application status can be checked via the designated tracking link on the portal.