Farming Experts at Your Doorstep: ACABC

The Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centers (ACABC) scheme is a unique initiative to tap the expertise of agriculture graduates for the benefit of farmers and to provide them with lucrative careers.

What are Agri-Clinics? Agri-Clinics are envisaged to provide expert advice and services to farmers on various technologies, which would enhance productivity of crops/animals and increase the income of farmers.

What are Agri-Business Centers? Agri-Business Centers are commercial units of agri-ventures established by trained agriculture professionals. Such ventures may include maintenance and custom hiring of farm equipment, sale of inputs, and other services.

Key Objectives: - Self-Employment: Provide gainful employment to unemployed agricultural graduates. - Extension Services: Supplement the efforts of public extension by providing data-driven advice to farmers. - Technology Transfer: Accelerate the adoption of modern farming practices.

Services Provided by ACABC: 1. Soil Health: Testing and nutrient management advice. 2. Plant Protection: Pest and disease identification and control measures. 3. Equipment Hiring: Providing access to expensive machinery on a rental basis. 4. Post-Harvest Management: Advice on storage and primary processing.

Benefits for Graduates: - 45 days of free residential training. - Credit-linked back-ended composite subsidy on project cost (up to 36% to 44%). - Handholding support for setting up the venture.

How Farmers Can Benefit: Farmers can seek expert guidance from their nearest ACABC center for low-cost, high-quality agricultural inputs and scientific farming advice.