Top News

The Government of India is offering a golden opportunity for young entrepreneurs who want to build a business in the agriculture sector. Under the Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare provides training, loans, and subsidies to youth who wish to start their own ventures in farming and allied activities.

This flagship initiative aims to encourage self-employment, boost rural entrepreneurship, and promote modern agricultural practices across the country.

What Is the Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres Scheme?

Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, the ACABC Scheme is designed to bridge the gap between agricultural education and practical entrepreneurship. It enables agriculture graduates and diploma holders to establish independent ventures that support farmers while creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves.

The scheme has two key components:

1. Agri Clinics

These are advisory and service centers run by trained professionals. They provide farmers with expert guidance on:

• Soil testing and crop selection

• Seed, fertilizer, and irrigation management

• Disease prevention for plants and livestock

• Crop insurance and market price updates

• Post-harvest and animal-care technologies

2. Agri Business Centres

These centers operate as professional units offering agricultural products and services. Activities include:

• Renting or selling farm equipment

• Processing, packaging, and marketing of crops

• Sale of certified seeds, fertilizers, and bio-products

• Running small-scale food processing units or cold-chain facilities

Through this initiative, the government not only supports farmers but also helps youth set up profitable agri-based startups.

Financial Assistance: Loan up to ₹1 Crore and Subsidy up to 44%

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) acts as the nodal agency for channeling funds and subsidies.

• Individual entrepreneurs can receive loans up to ₹25 lakh, depending on the viability of their project.

• Group ventures of up to five people can avail funding up to ₹1 crore.

• The scheme offers a 36% subsidy for general category applicants and a 44% subsidy for women, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) applicants.

This means aspiring entrepreneurs can start an agri business with low-interest loans and substantial government support, reducing financial burden while increasing long-term sustainability.

Who Can Apply for the Scheme?

The ACABC Scheme is open to youth who have educational backgrounds in agriculture or related fields. The key eligibility criteria are:

• Age between 18 and 60 years

• A degree or diploma in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary science, dairy, fisheries, forestry, or related disciplines

• Postgraduates in agriculture with a degree in biological sciences are also eligible

• Students with at least 55% marks in Class 12 (with agriculture subjects) can apply

• Retired individuals receiving a pension are not eligible for subsidy, but they may undergo training and self-fund their projects

Major Benefits of the Scheme

Participants receive:

• Free training and handholding support to build business skills

• Credit-linked back-end subsidy through NABARD

• Access to bank loans for setting up agri ventures

• Support for project planning, business development, and market linkage

Project Ideas Under the ACABC Scheme

Eligible applicants can start various agriculture-related enterprises such as:

• Soil and water testing laboratories

• Pest control and crop protection services

• Farm equipment repair and rental units

• Seed processing and tissue culture labs

• Vermicompost, bio-fertilizer, and bio-pesticide production

• Dairy, poultry, and fish farming units

• Food processing centers, cold storage, and value-addition outlets

These projects not only generate income but also strengthen India’s rural economy and empower local farmers.

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture.

2. Fill in the online application form with required details.

3. Upload necessary documents such as:

   • Aadhaar or government-issued ID

   • Educational qualification certificates

   • Bank account details

   • Passport-size photograph

4. Submit the form and track your application status online.

If the applicant does not have an Aadhaar card, alternative IDs such as a Voter ID, PAN, ration card, passport, or driving license can be used.

Final Takeaway

The Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres Scheme is a game-changer for India’s agriculture graduates and rural youth. It offers not just financial aid, but also skill development, mentorship, and business infrastructure to help them turn ideas into successful ventures.

With loans up to ₹1 crore and subsidies as high as 44%, this initiative stands as one of India’s most promising government programs for fostering innovation, employment, and sustainability in the agriculture sector.