Agri-Clinic and Agribusiness Centers Scheme (ACABC) in Agri Infrastructure Loan

The Agri-Clinic and Agribusiness Centers Scheme (ACABC) is a program launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers welfare, Government of India, in association with NABARD. The scheme aims to provide better methods of farming to each and every farmer across the country by tapping into the expertise available in the large pool of Agriculture Graduates. 

How does the ACABC work? 

The ACABC scheme works by providing loans to eligible candidates who wish to set up their own Agri-Clinics or Agri-Business Centers. These centers will provide professional extension services to farmers, which will include information on all aspects of agriculture, from farm management practices to post-harvest handling and marketing of produce. The scheme also aims to promote entrepreneurship among agriculture graduates and unemployed youth from rural areas by providing them with loans to set up their own businesses.

Who is eligible for an ACABC loan? 

 

To be eligible for an ACABC loan, candidates must be: 

 

1. A citizen of India 

 

2. Above 18 years of age 

 

3. An agriculturist by qualification with a minimum educational qualification of 10+2 or its equivalent 

 

4. A member of a farmer’s family 

 

5. Engaged in agriculture or allied activities on a regular basis 

 

6. Willing to set up an Agri-Clinic or Agri-Business Center in a rural area 

 

7. Able to provide land as collateral for the loan

What are the benefits of the ACABC scheme for farmers and agribusinesses in India? 

The ACABC scheme offers numerous benefits for farmers and agribusinesses in India. Some of the key benefits are: 

 

1. The scheme provides easy access to professional extension services for farmers. 

 

2. It encourages entrepreneurship among agriculture graduates and unemployed youth from rural areas by providing them with loans to set up their own businesses. 

 

3. The scheme also helps to create employment opportunities in rural areas. 

 

4. It strengthens the linkages between agriculture research institutions and extension agencies. 

 

5. It promotes technology transfer and adoption at the farm level.

How to apply for an ACABC loan? 

 

To apply for an ACABC loan, candidates must submit an application form along with the following documents: 

 

1. A copy of the candidate’s educational qualifications 

 

2. A copy of the candidate’s Aadhaar card 

 

3. A copy of the land title deed (if applicable) 

 

4. A copy of the latest electricity bill (if applicable) 

 

5. A business plan for the proposed Agri-Clinic or Agri-Business Center 

 

6. A list of equipment and machinery required for the proposed center 

 

7. An estimate of the total cost of setting up the center 

 

8. A bank statement for the last six months 

 

9. Income tax returns for the last three years (if applicable) 

 

10. A list of proposed customers or clients 

 

11. Any other relevant documents as specified by the bank or financial institution from which the loan is being applied for.

The Bottomline

The Agricultural Infrastructure Loan Scheme is a welcome addition to the agricultural sector and should help in developing the agri-business landscape. It would be interesting to see how this scheme progresses and what kind of impact it has on the overall growth of agriculture. Agribusinesses stand to benefit from this scheme and should make use of it to grow their businesses.