Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business centres Scheme was launched in April 2002 by Government of India with the objective to supplement the public extension system through committed private extension services at free or nominal cost by educated and trained candidates in a self employment mode, by Extension Division of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC and FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. There are two main components for the scheme: Training and Subsidy.
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, provides training to Agricultural Graduates through Nodal Training Institutes (NTIs) under Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme (AC and ABC) for performing extension services. The trained candidates would establish business units under agricultural allied activities.
Subsidy component is implemented through National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), Mumbai. Trained candidates establishing agri-ventures availing credit facilities are extended with subsidy depending on their project, gender, social category and regional preferences.
The online system is in placed to apply online for trainings and to monitor the training activities,subsidy disbursal under Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme (AC and ABC).