India’s agriculture sector is one of the largest in the world, contributing significantly to the economy and offering huge opportunities for new entrepreneurs. The best part?
You don’t need huge capital or land to start an agriculture business today.
There are several low-investment, high-profit agriculture business ideas that beginners, farmers, students, and small investors can start with minimal risk.
This article explores the most profitable ideas, investment requirements, steps to start, and key benefits.
🌱 Why Start an Agriculture Business in India?
Agriculture is not limited to traditional farming anymore. India now offers opportunities in:
- Organic farming
- Agro-processing
- Farm-to-table brands
- Poultry/egg business
- Nursery & plant businesses
- Dairy and goat farming
- Small-scale agri-products manufacturing
Key Benefits
- ✔ Low startup investment
- ✔ High demand throughout the year
- ✔ Government subsidies available under schemes like PM Kisan, NABARD, and MSME
- ✔ Huge export potential
- ✔ Can be started from home or small farmland
🌾 Top Agriculture Business Ideas With Low Investment
Below are the best small agriculture businesses suitable for rural and urban areas.
1. Organic Vegetable Farming
Investment Needed: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
Profit: 30–50% more than normal crops
Organic vegetables are in huge demand in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune.
You can start with:
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Capsicum
- Cucumbers
- Coriander
2. Mushroom Farming
Investment: ₹10,000 – ₹40,000
Profit Margin: Very high
Space Required: A small 10×12 ft room
Why it’s profitable:
Mushrooms grow quickly, require very small space, and offer high market rates.
3. Vermicompost Production
Investment: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Demand: Agriculture, nurseries, organic farms
You only need cow dung, earthworms, and a compost pit. Very popular due to organic farming trend.
4. Bee Farming (Beekeeping Business)
Investment: ₹15,000 – ₹50,000
Products to sell:
- Honey
- Beeswax
- Royal jelly
- Bee pollen
High demand in FMCG, Ayurveda, and export markets.
5. Nursery Business (Plants & Seedlings)
Investment: ₹25,000 – ₹1 lakh
Types of nursery:
- Flower plants
- Fruit saplings
- Indoor plants
- Medicinal plants
Huge demand from:
- Home gardeners
- Landscaping companies
- Resellers
6. Poultry Farming (Small Scale)
Investment: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 to start
Produces: Eggs, chicken meat
Backyard poultry farming is one of the easiest, fastest-return agriculture businesses.
7. Hydroponic Farming (Small Setup)
Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹1 lakh
Space: Can be started from the balcony/terrace
Hydroponics gives higher production using 90% less water — a future-ready business.
8. Goat Farming (Small Scale Unit)
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
Profit: Very high
Goat meat is always in demand, and goats multiply fast. Suitable for rural setups.
9. Dairy Business (Mini Milk Collection Center)
Investment: ₹30,000 – ₹1 lakh
You can start milk collection, packaging, or selling without owning cows.
10. Spice Processing Business
Investment: ₹30,000 – ₹80,000
Products you can make:
- Turmeric powder
- Chilli powder
- Coriander powder
- Garam masala
Local kirana stores buy in bulk; profit margins are high.
11. Cold-Pressed Oil Business
Investment: ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh (machine cost)
Products: Groundnut oil, sesame oil, coconut oil
High margins and year-round demand.
12. Fish Farming (Small Pond)
Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹80,000
Profit: Very high
Fish farming requires basic knowledge and can be done in small ponds or tanks.
13. Flower Farming
Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹60,000
Best flowers:
- Marigold
- Roses
- Jasmine
- Chrysanthemum
Chennai, Mumbai, and Karnataka have strong flower markets.
14. Drip Irrigation Equipment Supply
Investment: ₹25,000 – ₹80,000
You can supply drip kits to farmers — demand is increasing due to water scarcity.
15. Agricultural Blogging or YouTube Channel
Investment: ₹0 – ₹5,000
If you know farming practices, you can start an online agri channel and earn through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships.
💰 Most Profitable Small Agriculture Businesses (Top 5)
| Rank | Business | Profit Potential | Investment |
| 1 | Mushroom Farming | Very High | Low |
| 2 | Goat Farming | High | Medium |
| 3 | Vermicompost | High | Very Low |
| 4 | Plant Nursery | High | Low |
| 5 | Cold-Pressed Oil | High | Medium |
🔍 How to Choose the Best Agriculture Business for You
✔ Choose based on available space
Balcony → Hydroponics
Small room → Mushrooms
Backyard → Poultry or goat farming
✔ Consider market demand
Check local mandi rates and buyer needs.
✔ Start small & scale gradually
Agriculture businesses grow best when done step-by-step.
✔ Take training
Many government bodies (NABARD, Krishi Vigyan Kendra) provide free training.
🚀 Steps to Start an Agriculture Business (Beginner-Friendly)
- Select your agriculture idea (farming, processing, equipment, etc.)
- Estimate investment & resources
- Check government subsidies
- Arrange land or space
- Take basic training / learn online
- Start production
- Sell through:
- Local markets
- Online apps
- Wholesalers
- Direct farm-to-home delivery
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Which agriculture business is best with low investment?
Mushroom farming, vermicompost, nursery plants, and poultry farming are among the best low-investment agricultural businesses.
- Can I start an agriculture business from home?
Yes. Hydroponics, vermicompost, and nursery plants can be started from home.
- Are agricultural businesses profitable?
Yes, agriculture offers high ROI, especially in organic products, mushroom cultivation, and goat/poultry farming.
- Do government schemes support agriculture startups?
Yes. NABARD, PM Kisan, PM FME, and various state schemes offer subsidies and loans.
Conclusion
Starting an agriculture business with low investment in India is not only achievable but also highly profitable. With increasing demand for organic produce, processed foods, and sustainable farming products, small entrepreneurs can earn a stable and growing income with minimal capital.
Whether you choose mushroom farming, vermicompost, poultry, plant nursery, or cold-pressed oil, each idea has great potential in both rural and urban areas.
Shashi Kant is the Founder and Editor of BusinessScroller.com, a leading platform for business insights, finance trends, and industry analysis. With a passion for journalism and expertise in business reporting, he curates well-researched content on market strategies, startups, and corporate success stories. His vision is to provide valuable information that empowers entrepreneurs and professionals. Under his leadership, BusinessScroller.com has grown into a trusted source for in-depth articles, customer care guides, and financial expertise.
