ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about ACABC — Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
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.
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