This article can help you decide on a profitable small agricultural business if you are interested in entering the agricultural sector.
Agricultural business involves growing and selling crops and livestock-related products. It is the key source of income for many people in rural and suburban areas around the world.
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What are the Common Types/ Categories of Agriculture?
Before launching an agribusiness, it is key to know the various types of agriculture that are widely practiced. Generally speaking, agricultural ventures can be divided into:
- Agronomy.
- Horticulture.
- Forestry.
- Animal husbandry.
- Fishery science.
- Agricultural Engineering
- Home Science.
60 Agriculture Business Ideas
Here is our list of the most profitable small-scale agricultural businesses:
1. Agriculture Farm
Establishing an agricultural farm on available land can be a lucrative business. You can produce what’s in demand by the local market and sell it nearby or distribute it to more distant regions.
2. Start a Tree Farm
Tree farming can be a lucrative venture if you have land to spare and the patience to wait for profits; however, it can take some time to reap returns.
Learn how to make money by starting a tree farm business.
3. Backyard Plant Nursery
Starting a plant nursery from your backyard can be quite lucrative. It’s perfect for those with a passion for gardening.
4. Vermicompost Organic Fertilizer Production
Today, vermicompost organic fertilizer production has become a popular small business venture. With the proper knowledge and minimal financial investment, anyone can easily start a household-sized business that requires little space.
5. Dried Flower Business
Within the past decade, there’s been a steady rise in the popularity of dried flowers. With access to land, you can cultivate and dry them for sale at craft stores and hobby shops.
6. Fertilizer Distribution Business
People living in rural areas or small towns can benefit from starting a fertilizer distribution business, as it’s an affordable agricultural venture with profitable returns.
7. Organic Farm Green House
Investing in land for organic farming is a wise choice as the demand for organically grown farm products has greatly risen in recent years. Historically, organic farm greenhouse businesses were mostly family-run, however, now there is an opportunity to grow and succeed.
8. Poultry Farming
In the past 30 years, poultry farming has become a technological industry as well as a commercial one. This makes it the most rapidly expanding branch of agricultural and farming operations.
9. Mushroom Farming
You don’t need much money to start a mushroom farming business and it doesn’t take up a lot of space, making it a great way to potentially make big profits in a short amount of time.
10. Hydroponic Retail Store
In recent years, hydroponics has become increasingly popular. It is a soil-less method of gardening that can be used for both commercial and personal applications. One business opportunity is to start a hydroponic retail store that sells necessary equipment.
11. Snail Farming
Snail farming can prove to be a lucrative business opportunity – it requires discipline and knowledge of modern technology. Snails are an excellent source of protein, iron, and low fat, containing nearly all the essential amino acids the human body needs.
12. Sunflower Farming
To begin a sunflower farming business, the fundamental requirement is land. Sunflowers are commonly considered commercial money crops.
Establishing a profitable business opportunity through cultivating sunflowers for oilseed while adhering to the proper processes is doable. Any individual with agricultural zeal and possessing land can launch their own sunflower farming enterprise.
13. Guar Gum Manufacturing
The guar gum, also known as guaran in its local area, is a galactomannan and is formed from the ground endosperm of guar beans.
In order to yield the guar gum, the seeds must be the outer husks removed, milled, then filtered. It typically comes out as an off-white powder that’s free-flowing in nature. This substance can act as a natural food thickener akin to that of locust bean gum, cornstarch, or tapioca flour.
14. Bee Keeping
Beekeeping, an enterprise with low start-up costs, can be beneficial for those looking to make a profit, as the demand for honey is increasing due to health awareness. However, this business requires daily monitoring and careful oversight of bees.
15. Fish Farming
Fish farming can be a highly profitable venture with the adoption of modern practices and space to set up. It requires only moderate capital to start and can generate continuous returns throughout the year.
16. Fruits and Vegetable Export
To begin an export business in fresh fruits and veggies, an entrepreneur needs only a phone, computer, and internet connection – all of which can be set up at home. They can source the produce from local farmers.
17. Micronutrient Manufacturing – Folier and Soil Application
Investing in a micronutrient manufacturing business has great potential for success in agricultural markets, given the right distribution strategy and significant capital.
18. Florist
Selling flowers can be a profitable venture, whether through a retail space or online with doorstep delivery. An entrepreneur just needs to have a connection with the flower growers to get started.
19. Livestock Feed Production
With confidence in the distribution process, someone can start selling livestock feed.
20. Frozen Chicken Production
The demand for frozen chicken is on the rise across the world. With proper planning, an entrepreneur in a metropolitan or suburban area can start this venture.
21. Botanical Pesticide Production
Botanical pesticide is an incredibly lucrative agricultural venture, necessary and essential for organic farming with growing demand.
22. Broom Production
To start a broom production project, adequate planning and a moderate budget are all that is needed. Brooms have been an integral part of cleaning homes and workplaces for centuries, removing dirt and dust. Read More…
23. Basket Weaving
Planning and creativity are essential for starting a successful basket-weaving business. Entrepreneurs can use many types of materials to create custom baskets, with just a moderate amount of capital, from the comfort of their own homes.
24. Flour Milling
The flour milling industry offers many specialties for entrepreneurs to explore. With a sound business plan, one can establish their own brand product that is exceptionally profitable.
25. Fruit juice Production
Starting a fruit juice business has vast potential. The production process isn’t challenging and can be done on a smaller scale.
26. Groundnut Processing
A business owner with a moderate amount of capital can get into the groundnut industry if they have confidence in their raw material source, as processed groundnuts have great worldwide demand.
27. Cashew-nut Processing
Cashew nut processing can be a profitable venture for an entrepreneur, as it has great FMCG market potential. It can be started semi-automatically on a small scale.
28. Quail Egg Farming
Quail farming is a commercial enterprise that allows farmers to make money from eggs and meat production. It’s an important contributor to providing families with nutritional needs on a global scale.
29. Shrimp Farming
Shrimp farming, an aquaculture venture, is popular for its freshwater shrimp or prawns for human consumption. Its global demand is increasing.
30. Strawberry Farming
The strawberry is a delectable and healthy fruit that can be cultivated in your backyard. Even with only a limited amount of space, you can profit from berry farming and yield high returns for the grower.
31. Fish Hatchery
Fish hatcheries are facilities used for breeding, incubation, and caring for fish and shellfish from the early life stage until juveniles. Their purpose is to support aquaculture; once they reach a certain age, they are sent to larger systems to be fully grown.
32. Piggery
Entrepreneurs who have enough land can start a pig farm business. Pigs are the most efficient animals for producing meat and converting feed better than broiler chickens. This business requires minimal investments in facilities and equipment.
33. Soybeans Farming
Starting a soya beans processing business, which can produce things like milk, flour, oil, and natto, is a smart investment that can be made with moderate capital. If you have some spare land, consider investing in soybean farming for increased profits.
34. Spice Processing
The spice processing industry has recently been uplifted due to the increasing demand around the world. Highly processed spices hold much recognition and their processing and packaging are not very difficult. The profit margin is also high in the spice handling trade.
35. Vegetable Farming
Growing vegetables can be an incredibly profitable farming venture. With enough land, an entrepreneur can start a veggie farm with great seeds and fertilizers.
36. Chicks Hatchery
Starting a chick hatchery is an excellent way to make money, as it requires only a small investment and no specialized knowledge. Farmers who produce eggs and poultry can purchase commercially produced chicks from the hatchery.
37. Rajanigandha Farming
Rajanigandha farming using the Scientific method has been highly successful as a commercial business. The flower is used not only in its natural form but also for cosmetics, perfume, essential oils, ayurvedic medicine, and pan masala. This crop can yield up to 8000kg per hectare.
38. Tea Growing
Tea production is a business with great potential and global demand is increasing. Tea plants thrive in acidic soils and areas with 40 inches (101 cm) of annual rainfall, yet they can be grown from sea level to 4,000 meters above it.
39. Grocery E-Shopping Portal
Grocery delivery is a popular business right now. To be successful, it needs careful planning and strong digital marketing.
More Profitable Agriculture Business Ideas & Opportunities
40. Landscape Expert
Landscape architecture is a field that requires expertise, often gained through years of experience. Tasks such as site analysis, inventorying land, drawing up plans, planting design, and stormwater management are part of the job and must abide by building codes and local ordinances.
41. Medicinal Herbs Farming
With knowledge of herbs and the necessary space, an entrepreneur can launch a medicinal herb farming business with only moderate capital.
42. Cactus Arrangements
Cacti make a fabulous choice as decor items. Perfect for tabletop gardens, lots of plants may live contentedly in the same pot. Establishing and vending cactus arrangements is a very successful and rewarding enterprise to embark upon. It can get off the ground from a home spot with negligible initial funding.
43. Dairy Farming
Profitable dairy farming is a great agricultural business, with the potential to increase milk production. In addition to milk, it also produces a large quantity of manure.
44. Goat Farming
Goat meat has been a highly sought-after delicacy for many years, with its production becoming increasingly popular due to its lucrative potential. Goats are major contributors
45. Jatropha Farming
Growing Jatropha for bio-diesel is a popular agriculture business idea. Through modern technology, even small farmers can cultivate the crop and use it as a source of raw material for biodiesel.
46. Potato Powder
The use of potato powder is elaborate within the processed and snack food industries, as it may be included in any recipe that requires mashed potatoes.
It serves as a base or thickener for the creation of instant gravies and soups based on vegetables. The procedure for processing potato powder is not intricate, making this industry able to be launched on a semi-automatic, small-scale basis.
47. Corn Farming
Maize, also known as corn, is a versatile crop that can be grown in many different climates. Its genetic yield potential makes it the “Queen of Cereals.” For those interested in making money off agriculture, starting a commercial corn farm using modern techniques and high-quality seed is a great option.
48. Certified Seed Production
Seed certification is a system that verifies the contents of a package of seed, ensuring it is labeled correctly and meets certain requirements. This process includes producing, inspecting, and grading the seed to guarantee its quality.
You don’t need any land to begin a certified seed production business, you can just start with contract farming.
49. Soil Testing Lab
An agriculture business concept that can be highly beneficial and environmentally friendly is Soil Testing. This involves checking for nutrients in the ground, making specific fertilizer suggestions, and using a certified Government lab.
50. Green House Flower Export
Starting a greenhouse that grows flowers only for exporting can be a highly profitable business. An entrepreneur who has ties to the export flower industry and access to land can begin this venture with a significant capital outlay.
51. Horticulture Crop Farming
Horticulturists carefully select crops and methods to produce fruits, flowers, and plants in greenhouses and nurseries.
52. Potato Chips Production
The small-scale potato chip production line can manufacture both potato chips and french fries. These are fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) so demand is strong around the world.
53. Fodder Farming for Goats and Cows
Fodder is food that is grown specifically for domestic livestock such as chickens, horses, pigs, cattle, and goats. Alfalfa, barley, oats, clover, grass, and wheat are common types of fodder. Animals are given fodder rather than being allowed to graze naturally.
54. Rabbit Farming
Rabbit farming can be very profitable. Even with minimal space, a person can start their own farm. Angora rabbits are the main focus for raising due to their excellent quality wool production. Rabbits are the highest wool producers per kilogram of body weight.
55. Rose Farming
Not only is the rose a gorgeous flower, but it also holds immense commercial value. If gardening is something that interests you, why not look into turning it into a lucrative venture? Even with just a small plot of land, you could start your own mini rose farm.
56. Agro-Farming Blogging
With the increasing availability of internet access among remote farming communities, there’s a growing demand for reliable advice regarding agricultural activities. Those with valuable farming knowledge can start a blog on any ag-related topic.
58. Azolla Production
From China to Vietnam, the Philippines, and India, Azolla cultivation is a popular practice as it provides a viable food source for cattle, fish, pigs, and poultry. Plus, it’s excellent as a bio-fertilizer for wetland paddy – even if you only have a tiny backyard space!
59. Koi Farming
In the US, Koi Farming is a multi-billion dollar industry that has been growing in recent years. Why not give it a try and start your own Koi Farming business with a small pond?
60. Tilapia Farming
Demand for tilapia has been steadily increasing and is currently a $5 billion dollar global industry. The United States is especially known for its high demand for this fish.
It’s advised to do market research before beginning any agribusiness, looking into demand for the products you’re growing and the best ways to transport them.
In order to start an agricultural business, you’ll need a strong business plan and access to lots of land and farm machinery.
Knowing how to farm as well as some business skills are essential for being successful in the agricultural business. This comprehensive list of agriculture business ideas is sure to help you find the perfect fit.
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