This Scheme was first published on ‘Nabard’ website and for more info, you can visit ‘Nabard’ website.

The scheme aims to provide training followed by a loan of up to Rs.100 lakhs for starting a venture via Agriclinics and Agribusiness Centres to students holding a degree/diploma in Agriculture & allied disciplines.

Eligibility : *Applicants must have Ph.D., Masters, Graduation, Diploma or Postgraduate diploma (with more than 60% content of course in agriculture) in Agriculture & allied disciplines offered by State Agricultural Universities/ Central Agricultural Universities/ Universities recognized by ICAR/ UGC or other agencies subject to the approval of Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Government of India. *Applicants having agriculture related courses at the Intermediate (i.e. plus two) level, with at least 55% marks are also eligible for this scheme.

Process :

1. Application will be advertised by Nodal Training Institutes (NTIs) via newspaper, radio, or any other suitable media.
2. To avail of the application form, visit an NTI or apply online through the Agriclinics and Agribusiness Centres
3. Fill out the form with the correct details and required documents.
4. After scrutiny of all applications received, selected candidates will be called for an interview.
5. Number of batches per NTI will depend on infrastructural and other facilities. A maximum of 35 candidates will be selected per batch.
6. Certificates will be issued after the successful completion of the two-month training. 7. Loan for starting a venture will be granted by Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, State Cooperative Banks, State Cooperative Agriculture, Rural Development Banks, and other institutions eligible for refinance from NABARD.

*Agriclinics provide expert advice and services to farmers on Soil health, Cropping practices, Plant protection, Crop insurance, Post-harvest technology, etc to increase the productivity of crops/animals and increase the incomes of farmers. *Agribusiness Centres are commercial units of agri-ventures whose activities include maintenance and custom hiring of farm equipment, sale of inputs, and other services in agriculture and allied areas.

Benefit: Two-month training and subsequent loan of up to Rs.100 lakhs