Scholarship Scheme for Girl Children of Workers of Jute Mills/MSME JDP Units 2026

Launched in 2002 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, this scheme helps agricultural graduates and Read More... diploma holders become agri-entrepreneurs by providing training, services, and business support to farmers. Read less

Details

Are you an agriculture graduate or diploma holder looking to start your own business that helps farmers? The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme could be your golden opportunity. This initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare aims to boost agricultural development by empowering individuals to offer essential services directly to farmers.

What Is This Scheme?

The AC&ABC Scheme, established in 2002, is designed to supplement the work of government agricultural extension services. It encourages unemployed agricultural graduates and others with relevant qualifications to set up agri-clinics and agri-business centres. These centres provide valuable services to farmers, either for a fee or free of charge, depending on the business model and local needs. NABARD plays a key role as the subsidy channelizing agency.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is primarily for individuals with a background in agriculture and allied fields. If you have completed your graduation or diploma in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary sciences, forestry, dairy, fisheries, or related biological sciences, you can benefit. It's also open to those with intermediate (plus two) level qualifications in agriculture.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The AC&ABC Scheme is crucial for creating self-employment opportunities in the agriculture sector. By providing training, financial support, and guidance, it helps agri-professionals develop sustainable businesses that directly contribute to enhancing farmers' productivity and income. The scheme supports a wide range of agri-ventures, from soil testing labs and pest control services to marketing outlets for farm produce.

Objective

Launched in 2002 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, this scheme helps agricultural graduates and diploma holders become agri-entrepreneurs by providing training, services, and business support to farmers.

Benefits

Secondary Education (for Girls only ): ₹ 5,000/- (Five thousand)

Higher Secondary Education (for Girls only): ₹ 10,000/- (Ten thousand)

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old.
Educational Qualifications: You must meet one of the following criteria:
- Graduates in agriculture and allied subjects from State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Central Agricultural Universities, or universities recognised by ICAR/UGC. Degrees from other agencies are considered if approved by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Government of India, based on the State Government's recommendation.
- Diploma holders (with at least 50% marks) or Post Graduate Diploma holders in agriculture and allied subjects from SAUs, State Agriculture and Allied Departments, or State Departments of Technical Education. Diplomas from other agencies are also considered upon approval.
- Biological Science Graduates who have completed Post Graduation in Agriculture and allied subjects.
- Degree courses recognised by UGC where over 60% of the curriculum is focused on agriculture and allied subjects.
- Diploma/Post-graduate Diploma courses with over 60% content in agriculture and allied subjects, completed after a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, from recognised colleges and universities.
- Individuals who have completed agriculture-related courses at the intermediate (plus two) level with at least 55% marks.

How To Apply

The application process typically involves completing a prescribed training program. After successful training, candidates can apply for loans and subsidies to establish their agri-clinics or agri-business centres. For detailed information on application procedures, required forms, and specific deadlines, it is advisable to refer to the official announcements and guidelines from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare or NABARD.

For official updates and application details, please visit:

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: http://agricoop.nic.in/

NABARD: https://www.nabard.org/

Documents Required

To apply for the scheme, you will generally need the following documents:

Your Aadhaar Card number.
A valid Email ID.
Certificates of your latest educational qualifications.
Your personal Bank Account details.
A recent Applicant Photograph.

If you haven't received your Aadhaar card yet, you can use one of the following documents to apply:

Aadhaar enrolment ID slip, a copy of your Aadhaar enrolment request, Voter Identity Card, PAN Card, Passport, Ration Card, Employee Government ID, Bank or Post Office Passbook, MGNREGS Card, Kisan Photo Passport, Driving License, or any other document specified by the State/UT government.

FAQ’s

What is the training duration for aspiring agri-entrepreneurs?

The scheme includes a 45-day residential training program for individuals who wish to set up agri-clinics and agri-business centres.

What happens if my agri-project isn't completed on time?

If your project is not completed within the specified time, you will not be eligible for the subsidy. Any advance subsidy that has been provided to the participating bank will need to be immediately refunded to NABARD.

Is it possible for candidates to work on group projects?

Yes, candidates can participate in group projects. This is allowed if the group comprises five or more individuals who have successfully completed the training under this scheme.

What are the subsidy rates under this scheme?

The subsidy is provided at 36% of the Total Financial Outlay (TFO) for candidates in the General Category. For Women, SC/ST candidates, and those from North Eastern (NE) and Hilly States, the subsidy rate is 44%.

Are there any age limits for applicants?

Yes, applicants must be between 18 and 60 years of age to be eligible for the scheme.

Can retired government employees apply for the subsidy?

Retired employees who are receiving pension benefits are not eligible for the subsidy. However, they can still undergo the training and establish self-financed projects under the scheme.

What is the maximum project cost that can receive subsidy?

The maximum project cost eligible for subsidy is Rs. 20 Lakhs for individual projects. For group projects, this ceiling is Rs. 100 Lakhs. Exceptionally successful individual projects can have a ceiling of Rs. 25 Lakhs.

What is the lock-in period for bank loans taken under the scheme?

Beneficiaries are not permitted to close the bank loans availed under this scheme within a period of three years from the date they received the loan.