ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres
44%–50% subsidy on loans for agriculture graduates setting up agri-clinics and agri-business centres
- Funding amount
- ₹1Cr (subsidy)
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Provider
- NABARD (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The ACABC scheme (Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres) is a government-backed programme promoted by NABARD that encourages agriculture graduates and diploma holders to become self-employed by setting up agri-clinics or agri-business centres. It offers a back-ended capital subsidy of 44% for general category and 50% for women, SC/ST, and North-East applicants on bank loans up to ₹20 lakh for individual ventures and up to ₹1 crore for group ventures of five or more trained graduates. The subsidy is non-repayable and is released after the loan account is established and partly serviced, effectively reducing the net loan burden. Supported activities include agri-clinics (plant protection, crop advisory, soil/water testing), agri-business centres (input supply, custom hiring), cold chain units, rural warehousing, seed processing, and more. NABARD and NABCONS provide training and handholding support to beneficiaries.
Highlights
- Agriculture and allied science graduates who have completed ACABC training can get a 44%–50% back-ended subsidy on bank loans up to ₹1 Cr for agri-clinics or agri-business centres.
- Women, SC/ST and North-East applicants receive a higher subsidy of 50%.
- Group ventures of 5+ trained graduates can avail loans up to ₹1 crore.
- Training is mandatory and provided by NABARD-approved institutions.
- No equity taken — subsidy is a non-repayable grant applied against the loan.
- Application is done through scheduled commercial banks, RRBs, or cooperative banks after completing the ACABC training.
Who can apply
Agriculture graduates, post-graduates, diploma holders in agriculture or allied sciences (such as horticulture, animal husbandry, forestry, dairy, veterinary, fisheries) who have completed the mandatory ACABC training programme at a NABARD-approved training institution are eligible. The scheme is open to individuals and groups of five or more trained graduates. There is no specific DPIIT or MSME registration requirement mentioned.
ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
- Back-ended capital subsidy: 44% of project cost for general category applicants and 50% for women, SC/ST, and North-East candidates.
- Loans up to ₹20 lakh for individual ventures and up to ₹1 crore for group ventures (5 or more trained graduates).
- Subsidy is non-repayable and is released after the loan account is established and partly repaid.
- Covers a wide range of activities: agri-clinics (soil testing, plant protection, crop advisory), agri-business centres (input supply, custom hiring), cold chain units, rural warehousing, seed processing, and other agri-support services.
- Training and handholding support provided by NABARD and NABCONS.
About the provider
ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres is offered by NABARD, a government body. As a government-backed subsidy, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for ACABC support?
Agriculture graduates, post-graduates, diploma holders in agriculture or allied sciences (horticulture, animal husbandry, forestry, dairy, veterinary, fisheries etc.) who have completed the mandatory ACABC training programme at a NABARD-approved training institution are eligible.
What is the subsidy percentage?
The back-ended capital subsidy is 44% of the project cost for general category applicants and 50% for women, SC/ST and North-East candidates. The subsidy applies on loans up to ₹20 lakh for individual ventures and up to ₹1 crore for a group venture of 5 or more trained graduates.
What businesses can be set up under ACABC?
Eligible ventures include agri-clinics (soil testing, plant protection, crop advisory), agri-business centres (input supply stores, custom hiring of farm equipment), cold chain units, rural warehousing, seed processing, and other agri-support services.
Is the subsidy a grant or repayable?
The subsidy component is a non-repayable back-ended grant — it is released after the loan has been partly repaid and the project is established. The bank loan portion must be repaid as per normal schedule.
Is training mandatory?
Yes. Completion of the ACABC training programme at a NABARD-approved institution is mandatory before applying for a bank loan under this scheme. Training is supported by NABARD and NABCONS.
How do I find approved training institutions?
The list of NABARD-approved ACABC training institutions is available at acabc.net. Contact NABARD's regional office or NABCONS for the current training schedule and to register for a batch.
What is the application deadline?
The scheme is rolling / always open. There is no fixed deadline; you can apply anytime after completing the mandatory training.
How do I apply?
After completing the ACABC training, prepare a business plan and apply for a bank loan at any scheduled commercial bank, RRB, or cooperative bank under the ACABC scheme. Present your training completion certificate. The bank appraises the project and sanctions the loan; you then submit the loan sanction letter to NABARD's regional office for scheme registration.
What documents are needed?
You typically need your ACABC training completion certificate, a detailed business plan, identity proof, address proof, educational qualifications, and project cost estimates. Specific requirements vary by bank.
Does the scheme take equity?
No. The subsidy is a non-repayable grant applied against the loan. No equity is taken by NABARD or the government.
How much funding does ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres provide?
ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres provides ₹1Cr (up to) as subsidy. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres?
ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres is offered by NABARD, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from NABARD
NABARD runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres
Not sure ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres is the right fit, or already applied? These are other subsidies open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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