The Agriculture Clinic and Agriculture Business Center (ABC) Scheme, Benefits for Farmers

The Agriculture Clinic and Agriculture Business Center Scheme (ABC Scheme) is an initiative started by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of the Government of India. Its aim is to promote agricultural development by providing farmers with entrepreneurship opportunities, technical assistance, and self-employment opportunities. NABARD operates under this scheme as a subsidy channeling agency.

Objectives of the Scheme:

1. Supplementing public extension efforts by providing farmers with extension services and other assistance to enhance their productivity and income.
2. Strengthening agricultural development.
3. Creating self-employment opportunities for unemployed agricultural graduates, diploma holders, postgraduates in agriculture-related subjects, and organic science graduates.

About Agriculture Clinic:

Agriculture Clinics provide specialized advice and services in various areas to help farmers increase the productivity of their crops and livestock and increase their income. These include:

1. Soil health
2. Crop methods
3. Plant conservation
4. Crop insurance
5. Veterinary services for livestock, fodder, and fodder management
6. Post-harvest technologies
7. Veterinary services for animals
8. Market prices of various crops

Agriculture Business Centers:

Agriculture Business Centers are commercial units operated by trained agricultural professionals. They provide farmers with services such as:

1. Maintenance and rental of agricultural equipment
2. Post-harvest management

Benefits of the Scheme:

1. Training and handholding
2. Loan and credit-linked back-end subsidies

Eligible Beneficiaries:

1. Graduates in agriculture and related subjects from State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)/Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs)/Universities
2. Diploma holders in agriculture and related subjects from State Agricultural Universities, State Departments of Agriculture and related departments, and State Technical Education Departments
3. Graduates in organic science with postgraduation in agriculture and related subjects
4. Intermediate (i.e., plus two) level agricultural curriculum

For more information, visit the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare or the nearest NABARD office.

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