What is ACABC scheme?
The Ministry of Agriculture and farmers welfare, Government of India, in association with National Institute of Agricultural Extension (MANAGE) and NABARD has launched a unique programme to take better methods of farming to each and every farmer across the country. This programme aims to tap the expertise available in the large pool of Graduates in Agriculture & allied subjects, environmental science and life sciences . Irrespective of whether you are a fresh graduate or not, if you are unemployed, you can set up your own Agri-Clinic or Agri-Business Centre and offer professional extension services to innumerable farmers. Committed to this programme, the Government is roviding entrepreneurship training to graduates in Agriculture, or any subject allied to Agriculture like Horticulture, Sericulture, Veterinary Sciences, Forestry, Dairy, Poultr Farming, and Fisheries, etc., as well as environmental science and life science. Those completing the training can apply for self employment loans for venture establishment. <br>
What is an Agri Clinic?
Agri-Clinics are envisaged to provide expert advice and services to farmers on various technologies including: • Soil health • Cropping practices • Plant protection • Crop insurance • Post-harvest technology and clinical services for animals • Feed and fodder management • Prices of various crops in the market etc. which would enhance productivity of crops/animals and ensure increased income to farmers. <br>
What is Agribusiness?
Commercial units of agriventures established by trained agriculture professionals. Such ventures may include: • Maintenance and custom hiring of farm equipment • Sale of inputs and other services in agriculture and allied areas. • Post harvest management units • Value addition units • Seed production and processing units • Dairy/Poultry/Piggery/Apiary/Fishery/Goatery/Mushroom/Rabit rearing units <br>
What is objective of the scheme?
To providing extension and other services to the farmers on payment basis or free of cost as per business model of agri-preneur, local needs and affordability of target group of farmers and support agricultural development. To create gainful self-employment opportunities to unemployed agricultural graduates, agricultural diploma holders, intermediate in agriculture and biological science graduates with PG in agri-related courses. <br>
Who can apply for the scheme?
Following are the beneficiaries graduated from: Agriculture/Horticulture, Animal husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy, Veterinary, Poultry, Pisciculture, Microbiology, Life sciences, Environmental science & other allied activities can apply for a loan under the scheme. <br>
How to apply for training?
Beneficiary can visit http://www.agriclinics.net/OnlineApplication26052020.pdf Or Beneficiary can visit home page of the scheme portal https://acabcmis.gov.in, where online application form is available. <br>
What is the duration of training?
45 days residential training to students who are desirous of setting up Agri- Clinics and Agri-Business Centers. <br>
What is covered in training?
Basic agriculture, information about project management, maintenance of accounts, market survey, personality development, computer internet etc. will be given to the trainees. <br>
What would be contribution of applicant?
The margin money to be contributed by the entrepreneur will be as per prevailing norms issued by Reserve Bank of India. As per present norms, margin money is not prescribed for loans upto ₹5 lakhs. In case of margin money, concessions would be made in respect of SCs/STs, women and beneficiaries of North-Eastern States, Hill areas. In such cases, a maximum of 50% of the margin money prescribed by banks could be given by NABARD to meet the shortfall in borrower's contribution, if the bank is satisfied that the borrower is unable to meet the margin money requirements. Such assistance to banks by NABARD will be without any interest. The banks may, however, levy a service charge up to 2% per annum from the borrowers. <br>
What will happen if project is not completed?
If the project is not completed within the stipulated period, benefit of subsidy shall not be available and advance subsidy placed with the participating bank, if any, will have to be refunded forthwith to NABARD. <br>
Can project be group project?
The trained candidates could also undertake group projects, if the group consists of a total of five or more persons trained under the scheme. <br>
Is there any ceiling for project cost?
Yes, the upper ceiling for project cost eligible for subsidy is ₹20 lakhs for individual projects and ₹100 lakhs for group projects. For extremely successful individual projects the ceiling is ₹25 lakhs. <br>
Is there any age limit for beneficiaries?
Yes, the age limit is 18 to 60 years <br>
Is there any other condition for eligibility?
Yes, retired employees getting pensionery benefits are not eligible for subsidy. However, they can undergo training and establish self financed projects. <br>
What is the subsidy pattern?
Subsidy is 36% of Total Financial Outlay (TFO) for General category candidates and 44% for Women, SC/ST/NE and Hilly State candidates <br>
Whether subsidy will be calculated on the bank loan availed?
No, subsidy will be calculated on the Total Project Cost which includes bank loan and margin money subject to the ceiling of ₹20 lakhs (₹25 lakhs for extremely successful projects) for individuals and ₹100 lakhs for group projects. <br>
If an individual starts with a small project, is there any scope for expansion?
Yes, if an individual/group starts with a small project, he/she/group can expand or establish a new project subject to the ceiling that the total TO of both the projects is ₹20 lakhs (₹25 lakhs for extremely successful projects) for individuals and ₹100 lakhs for groups. <br>
What is the lock in period for bank loans?
A beneficiary cannot close the bank loans within three years from the date of availing loans. <br>
Whether collateral security is required for bank loans?
This is governed by the decision taken by Reserve Bank of India from time to time. As per the latest circular, Collateral security is not required for loans upto ₹10 lakhs. <br>
Whether loans under ACABC can be availed under MUDRA Yojana?
Yes, for projects with TFO upto Rs. 10 lakhs, loans can be availed under MUDRA Yojana. <br>