AI SummaryAgricultural Extension is a central government scheme run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to connect scientific research with farmers on the ground. It helps farmers get new knowledge, training and modern technology so that farming output and income can improve across India. The scheme is working through the Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) under Krishonnati Yojana and also manages the popular ATMA and Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) programmes.
The Directorate of Extension is the nodal agency for extension programmes under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It supports state governments in running professional extension services and spreads farm information through Prasar Bharati, All India Radio and the DD Kisan channel. Farmers can call the Kisan Call Centre toll-free number 1800-180-1551 from 6 am to 10 pm on all seven days to get expert guidance on their farming problems.
Agricultural Extension 2026 - Introduction
SMAE focuses on creating awareness and promoting the use of right technologies in farming. It covers support for state programmes, mass media outreach, setting up of Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) and training through central institutions. The ACABC programme, launched in April 2002, remains a key part of this scheme and continues to accept new candidates in 2026.
Under ACABC, selected candidates get 45 days of free residential training through Nodal Training Institutes identified by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE). After training, there is one year of handholding support. NABARD acts as the implementing agency for subsidy payment and monitors credit support through commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks and cooperative banks.
Up to March 2026, a total of 97,352 candidates have been trained and 42,768 of them have established agri-ventures. Out of these, 4,314 ventures have received subsidy support so far. The government released the revised ACABC guidelines in 2025, which are available on the official Krishi Vistar portal.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Agricultural Extension |
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Implementing Agency | National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) |
| Subsidy Agency | NABARD |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Credit Support | Up to ₹20 lakh (individual), ₹100 lakh (group) |
| Subsidy | 44% (women, SC/ST/PWD, NE and Hill states), 36% (others) |
| Helpline | 1800-180-1551 |
| Official Website | krishivistar.gov.in |
Benefits
Agricultural Extension gives direct support to farmers and agri-preneurs. Main benefits include:
- Access to extension services either free or on a payment basis, depending on the local business model and needs of farmers.
- 45 days of free residential training followed by one year of handholding support for selected candidates.
- Credit-linked subsidy on bank loans, with up to ₹20 lakh for an individual project and ₹100 lakh for a group project.
Eligibility
The scheme is open to candidates aged 18 to 60 years. Eligibility includes:
- Graduates in agriculture and allied fields such as Horticulture, Sericulture, Dairy, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Biotechnology or Food Technology from recognized universities.
- Holders of diplomas or post-graduate diplomas in agriculture or allied subjects with at least 50% marks.
- Post-graduates in agriculture and related sectors.
- Candidates with intermediate (plus two) level courses in agriculture-related fields holding at least 55% marks.
The scheme provides full support for training, handholding and accessible credit options for eligible candidates.
Application Process
Candidates need to apply online through the official portal. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Krishi Vistar portal at krishivistar.gov.in and open the ACABC page to check the latest calls for application and the revised guidelines.
STEP 2 - Read the revised ACABC guidelines 2025 PDF carefully and check the eligibility and documents required before filling the form.
STEP 3 - Fill in the online application with personal details, Aadhaar number, educational qualifications and bank account details.
STEP 4 - Select the Nodal Training Institute of your choice and submit the form along with the required documents.
STEP 5 - After selection, attend the 45 day training programme and complete the one year handholding process to set up your agri-venture.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Aadhaar card and date of birth certificate.
- High school certificate and final qualification certificate.
- PAN card and caste certificate.
- Domicile certificate and bank account details.
References
Krishi Vistar - Directorate of Extension | ACABC Scheme Details | Revised ACABC Guidelines 2025 | Kisan Call Centre
FAQ's
What is the age range for the scheme?
Candidates between 18 and 60 years of age can apply for the scheme.
Where can I apply for this scheme?
Applications are accepted online through the official Krishi Vistar portal at krishivistar.gov.in.
How much credit support is available under ACABC?
Credit support of up to ₹20 lakh is available for an individual project and up to ₹100 lakh for a group project.
What is the subsidy under the scheme?
The subsidy is 44% for women, SC/ST/PWD and candidates from North-Eastern and Hill states, and 36% for other categories.