The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme is a government-funded program that aims to provide extension and other services to farmers in rural areas.
The scheme was launched in 2002 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and it has since been implemented in over 30 states and union territories across India.
- Soil health: This includes testing soil for nutrient content and pH levels, and providing advice on how to improve soil health.
- Cropping practices: This includes providing advice on crop selection, planting, irrigation, and pest control.
- Plant protection: This includes providing advice on how to protect crops from pests and diseases.
- Crop insurance: This is a type of insurance that protects farmers from financial losses due to crop failure.
- Post-harvest technology: This includes providing advice on how to store and market agricultural produce.
- Clinical services for animals: This includes providing veterinary care for animals, such as vaccinations and treatment of diseases.
- Feed and fodder management: This includes providing advice on how to feed and manage livestock.
- Prices of various crops in the market: This includes providing information on the current prices of various crops in the market.
Agriclinics and agribusiness centers are essential resources for farmers. This offer soil testing, plant problem identification, and advice on crop health. centers provide farmers with access to seeds, tools, advice, and markets.
How Agriclinics Help Farmers
Agriclinics play a vital role in helping farmers improve crop yields and quality. Soil testing can help farmers determine the nutrient content of their soil and make informed decisions about fertilizer applications. Plant problem identification can help farmers diagnose and treat plant diseases and pests. And advice on crop health can help farmers optimize their crop management practices.
How Agribusiness Centers Help Farmers
Agribusiness centers provide farmers with a variety of resources that can help them improve their businesses. These resources include access to seeds, tools, advice, and markets.
Project activities
- Extension consultancy services
- Soil and water quality testing
- Pest surveillance, diagnostic, and control services
- Maintenance, repairs, and custom hiring of agricultural implements and machinery
- Seed processing units
- Micro-propagation through plant tissue culture labs and hardening units
- Vermiculture units, production of bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and bio-control agents
- Apiaries (bee-keeping) and honey & bee products’ processing units
- 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 centres
- Setting up of Cool Chain from the farm level onwards
- Retail marketing outlets for processed agri-products
- Rural marketing dealerships of farm inputs and outputs
Eligibility
- Age: The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years of age.
- Education: The applicant must have one of the following qualifications:
- Graduate in agriculture or allied subjects from a SAU/Central Agricultural University/University recognized by ICAR/UGC.
- Diploma (with at least 50% marks)/Postgraduate Diploma in agriculture or allied subjects from a State Agricultural University, State Agriculture and Allied Departments, or State Department of Technical Education.
- Biological Science Graduate with Post Graduation in Agriculture or allied subjects.
- Agriculture-related courses at intermediate (i.e. plus two) level, with at least 55% marks.
Exclusions
Retired employees who are receiving pensionary benefits are not eligible for a subsidy. However, they can still undergo training and establish self-financed projects.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Number
- Email ID
- Latest Educational Qualification
- Bank Account Details
- Applicant Photo
Contact Details of Agri Business Centres Scheme
Dr. P.Chandra Shekara Director General – MANAGE Dr. Shahaji Sambhaji Phand Centre Head (Allied Extn) & Principal Coordinator
- Mail ID: [email protected], [email protected]
- TOLL-FREE HELPLINE: 1800 425 1556
- HELPLINE: 9951851556 (Mon to Sat) (9 A.M to 5.30 P.M)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Agri-Clinics and Agri Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme is a government-funded program that aims to provide farmers with access to quality agricultural extension services.
The duration of training is generally around 2 months, but it might vary. Please check the official website for specific details.
Agricultural graduates and diploma holders in agriculture-related disciplines can apply.
