Agro Money

Agri-clinics and Agri-Business centres (AC-ABC)
(for Agri. and Allied science graduates - 25% (Other regions) & 33% (North East region) subsidy from Department of Agriculture and Cooperation)

Objective:
a) To provide extension and other services to farmers on payment basis through
setting up of economically viable self - employment ventures.
b) To provide necessary support in supply of agricultural inputs.
c) To promote self-employment

Features:

• Selected trainees are provided agri-preneurship training for a period of two months in identified Nodal Training Institutes. Free handholding support is also provided for one year to trained agriculture graduates in obtaining bank finance, setting up their business in the area, etc.
• The training component is looked after by MANAGE.
• The cost of training per candidate for 2 months is Rs. 24,750/-inclusive of cost of food, lodgings and study material, and it is being borne by the Government of India.
• NABARD monitors the credit support to Agri-Clinics through Commercial Banks/Cooperative Banks/ Regional Rural Banks.
• The credit linked capital subsidy @ 25% of the capital cost of the project funded through bank loan is also eligible under the scheme. This subsidy is 33.33% in respect of candidates belonging to SC, ST, Women and other disadvantaged sections and those from North-Eastern and Hill States. The capital subsidy is back-ended in nature. Full interest subsidy is eligible for the first two years of the project. The interest subsidy is concurrent in nature. The subsidy will not be admissible under this scheme if subsidy of whatever amount was availed of under any other scheme of Central or State Govt.

Eligibility: Agriculture Graduate, irrespective of age

Pattern of Assistance: 100% GOI funding

The agriculture graduates are provided training in agri-business development for two months through institutions in public/private sector located throughout the country and coordinated by National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad. These institutions also provide handholding support to the trained graduates for a period of one year in obtaining bank finance, setting up their business in the area, coordinating with different government authorities involved in giving licenses for undertaking the required business activities, etc. The entire cost of training and handholding is being borne by the Government of India. The credit linked capital subsidy @ 25% of the capital cost of the project funded through bank loan is also eligible under the scheme. This subsidy is 33.33% in respect of candidates belonging to SC,ST,Women and other disadvantaged sections and those from North-Eastern and Hill States. The capital subsidy is back-ended in nature. Full interest subsidy is eligible for the first two years of the project. The interest subsidy is concurrent in nature. The subsidy will not be admissible under this scheme if subsidy of whatever amount was availed of under any other scheme of Central or State Govt. Trained graduates are expected to set up Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centres.

AGRICLINICS
Agriclinics are envisaged to provide expert services and advice to farmers on cropping practices, technology dissemination, crop protection from pests and diseases, market trends, and prices of various crops in the markets and also clinical services for animal health etc., which would enhance productivity of crops/animals.

AGRIBUSINESS CENTRES
Agribusiness centres are envisaged to provide input supply, farm equipments on hire and other services. In order to enhance viability, Agriculture graduates may also take up ventures in agriculture and allied areas along with Agriclinics/Agribusiness centres. An illustrative list of activities that can be financed under Agriclinic/Agribusiness centres is furnished below for information. The scheme is open to Agriculture Graduates/Graduates in subjects allied to agriculture like horticulture, animal husbandry, forestry, dairy, veterinary, poultry farming, pisci culture and other allied activities.

1. Soil, water quality, and input testing laboratory services centre
2. Plant protection services centre
3. Vermi Composting unit
4. Horticulture clinic and Business Centre
5. Agro Service Centre - Farm Machinery
6. Agro Service Centre - Farm Machinery and primary processing
7. Private Veterinary Clinic
8. Private Veterinary Clinic with retail outlet for feed and medicines
9. Private Veterinary Clinic with small dairy units
10. Private Artificial Insemination centres
11. Eco hatchery for carp seed production and extension services.