Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Launched: April 2002
Implemented By:
- Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW)
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
- National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad
- Scheme Type: Entrepreneurship Development & Extension Services
- Beneficiary Type: Agriculture Graduates, Diploma Holders, Agripreneurs, Agri Professionals
- Coverage: All States & Union Territories
- Category: Agri-Entrepreneurship / Employment Generation
- Official Website: https://acabcmis.gov.in
About the Scheme
The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme is a flagship program of the Government of India designed to create self-employment opportunities for agriculture graduates and professionals.
It encourages them to set up Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres that provide expert extension services, inputs, and technologies to farmers.
Goal: To transform agriculture graduates into job creators instead of job seekers, while strengthening farm-level advisory, input supply, and value addition through entrepreneurship.
🧭 Objectives
- To provide self-employment opportunities to agricultural graduates, diploma holders, and agri-professionals.
- To make agricultural extension services more accessible to farmers.
- To enhance the transfer of technology, inputs, and innovations to the field.
- To supplement public extension efforts through private agripreneurs.
- To support value addition, post-harvest management, and agri-services.
🧾 Key Features
- Training: Free two-month training on entrepreneurship, business planning, and technical skills by MANAGE-approved institutes.
- Credit Support: NABARD provides collateral-free loans through banks for setting up ventures.
- Subsidy:
- 36% subsidy for general category beneficiaries.
- 44% subsidy for women, SC/ST, and North Eastern States.
- Wide Range of Ventures:
Includes Agri-Clinics, Custom Hiring Centres, Soil Testing Labs, Vermicompost Units, Poultry, Dairy, Agri-Input Shops, Mushroom Units, etc. - Handholding Support: Post-training guidance, project preparation, and marketing support provided.
- Integration with Agri-Startups & FPOs for scaling.
Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Individual | Graduates / Postgraduates in Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Dairy, Forestry, Veterinary, or allied sciences |
| Diploma Holders | Diploma in agriculture or allied subjects from recognized institutions |
| Groups / NGOs / SHGs / FPOs | At least one member should have agricultural education |
| Retired Agriculture Officers | Eligible to establish agri-clinics or agri-business ventures |
Age Limit: 18–60 years.
No prior experience required, but candidates must complete the training conducted by MANAGE or its partner institutes.
Documents Required
| Type | Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN card |
| Educational Qualification | Degree / Diploma certificate in agriculture or allied subjects |
| Address Proof | Electricity bill / Ration card / Passport |
| Caste Certificate | (for SC/ST candidates claiming subsidy) |
| Bank Details | Passbook / Cancelled cheque |
| Photograph | Passport-size photo |
| Business Plan | Required post-training before loan sanction |
How to Apply
🖥️ Online Method
- Visit https://acabcmis.gov.in
- Click “Apply Online” → “New Candidate Registration.”
- Fill personal, educational, and contact details.
- Choose your training institute from the drop-down list.
- Upload necessary documents and submit the form.
- Once shortlisted, you’ll receive notification for training commencement via SMS/email
Offline Method
- Visit your nearest Nodal Training Institute (NTI) (list available on MANAGE website).
- Fill the application form and attach documents.
- Submit it to the Director / Coordinator of the institute.
- Attend interview and training after approval.
Financial Assistance & Loan Details
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan Facility | Up to ₹20 lakh for individual projects; up to ₹100 lakh for group ventures |
| Subsidy | 36% for General; 44% for Women/SC/ST/NE States |
| Margin Money | 5–10% of project cost (varies by bank) |
| Repayment Period | 5–7 years (with initial moratorium of 1 year) |
| Interest Rate | As per RBI/NABARD norms |
| Nodal Banks | NABARD, SBI, PNB, Canara Bank, Union Bank, etc. |
Note: The subsidy is released through NABARD to banks after the successful establishment of the unit.
Types of Ventures Supported
The scheme supports more than 32 types of agribusiness ventures, such as:
- Soil & Water Testing Labs
- Agri-Clinics for Farm Advisory
- Custom Hiring Centres
- Pesticide/Fertilizer/Seed Retail Outlets
- Veterinary Clinics / Dairy Units
- Fish Hatcheries / Poultry Farms
- Vermicompost / Organic Input Production
- Agri-Tourism / Value Addition Units
- Farm Machinery Service Centres
- Mushroom / Floriculture / Tissue Culture Units
📈 Achievements
- Over 80,000 candidates trained under ACABC.
- 40,000+ agribusiness ventures established across India.
- Women participation increased to 25% in recent years.
- Created employment for over 2 lakh rural youth.
- Boosted farm productivity and extension reach in remote areas.
Benefits Summary
- Empowers agriculture graduates to start their own business.
- Creates local extension services and employment.
- Strengthens rural entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Promotes private investment in agricultural services.
- Offers training, subsidy, and bank credit under one umbrella.
📞 Contact Details
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE)
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500030
📞 Helpline: 1800-425-1556
🌐 https://manage.gov.in
How to Check Application / Training Status
- Visit https://acabcmis.gov.in
- Go to “Candidate Login” → “View Status.”
- Enter your Registration Number / Mobile / Email ID.
- The dashboard shows your application progress, training status, and subsidy release details.
Follow-Up & Grievance Redressal
- If you face delays or issues:
- Contact your Nodal Training Institute (NTI) or District Agriculture Officer.
- Lodge complaints via https://pgportal.gov.in under “Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.”
- Helpline: 📞 1800-425-1556 (MANAGE Hyderabad)
- Email: acabcsupport@manage.gov.in
Who’s Who
| Designation | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Policy and oversight |
| Minister of State (Agriculture) | Shri Bhagirath Choudhary | Promotion and awareness |
| Secretary (Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) | Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS | Administrative leadership |
| Director General, MANAGE | — | Training and program coordination |
| Chairman, NABARD | — | Financial and subsidy management |
FAQs
1. What is an Agri-Clinic?
A service centre that provides expert advice, soil testing, crop planning, and pest management guidance to farmers.
2. What is an Agri-Business Centre?
A profit-oriented enterprise offering inputs, equipment, and value-added agri-services.
3. Is the training free?
Yes, training is fully sponsored by the Government of India, including study material.
4. Do women agripreneurs get special benefits?
Yes, women receive a 44% subsidy and priority training slots.
5. Can groups or FPOs apply together?
Yes, up to 5 members can form a group venture for larger projects.