Rahi Nazeer Kulgam, 18 November 2023:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (SKUAST) Kulgam, organized an insightful workshop on the Central Scheme for the establishment of Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centers (ACABC) at KVK Pombay Kulgam. The workshop aimed to provide essential knowledge about the scheme, which plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural development, generating employment opportunities for agriculture graduates, and extending valuable extension services to farmers.
The inauguration of the workshop was conducted by DDM NABARD, Rouf Zargar, and was attended by esteemed dignitaries such as Project Coordinator KVK Kulgam, Dr. Manzoor Ganai, and Lead District Manager, Abdul Rashid. Additionally, District Nodal officers from the Agriculture and Horticulture departments were present, alongside a diverse audience consisting of agriculture graduates, progressive farmers, and members of various Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from the district.
During the workshop, Rouf Zargar provided comprehensive details about the ACABC scheme. He highlighted its primary objectives, focusing on offering business opportunities to unemployed agriculture graduates and ensuring the doorstep delivery of agricultural extension services to farmers, addressing their local needs and affordability. These Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centers are designed to furnish expert advice and services to farmers, covering various agricultural technologies.
Zargar outlined the procedural aspects of the scheme, indicating that interested individuals need to undergo a 60-day training, provided free of cost by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) through Nodal Training Institutes (NTIs). Upon completion of the training, applicants are eligible for bank loans ranging from 20 lakh to 1 crore (individual or group) to establish their units. Notably, NABARD will facilitate a 36% subsidy for general category applicants and an enhanced 44% subsidy for applicants belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST), and the northeastern and hilly states.
For those interested in participating in the scheme, a toll-free number (1800-425-1556) has been provided, and applications can be submitted online on the [acabcmis.gov](https://acabcmis.gov/) website.
This workshop served as a valuable platform for disseminating information about the ACABC scheme, fostering awareness among stakeholders and encouraging their active participation in advancing agricultural initiatives in the region.
