ish farming is the process of raising aquatic organisms commercially in a controlled or semi-controlled environment to increase productivity. It is possible to raise many different kinds of fish from table fare to exotic tropical species. Most of the people are growing fish for harvesting and selling to restaurants. Also, many fish farms operate as fun places where individuals and families are able to go fishing. Let us discuss how to start fish farming business.
Fish farming is the fastest-growing food production segment in the world. Fish is a protein-rich, tasty, and healthy food with low cholesterol. So, fish and fish-related products have great demand all over the world. Fish farm business has a significant role in the economy. It offers so many job opportunities in ancillary services and operations. This business demands day-to-day careful monitoring, skills, and special knowledge.
Commercial fish farming is considered an economically profitable business venture. There are so many types of fast-growing species available. So, this business ensures quick returns on your investment. The fish consumption rate is increasing every year. Irresponsible harvesting of fish leads to the depletion of natural species and the extinction of some species. So, fish farming is a way to conserve species and prevent the depletion of natural resources.
How to Start Fish Farming?
People with different jobs and occupations are able to start this business. You can raise funds from investors or take a loan from the bank. You can start a fish farming business through these 8 steps as given below.
Steps to Start Fishery Business
Step 1. Select the Type of Fish Farming
The first thing you need to consider when starting a fish farm is the type of fish that you are going to use for the fish farming business. Selecting the right species of fish plays an important role in the success of the fish farming business plan. The decision should be based on a maintenance point of view, market demand, management outlook, and availability of resources, etc. Some of the popular fish farming business ideas that give good returns are given below.
Tilapia Fish Farming
Tilapia is a popular fish in the market. Its large size, high protein content, and quick growth (6 to 7 months) are the main reasons that make tilapia fish farming highly popular and profitable. In commercial fish farming, earth ponds are mostly used.
Catfish Farming
Commercial catfish farming is considered profitable fish farming. The farmers are able to start catfish farming alone or in combination with other species. Also, this fish farming can be started on a small-scale basis and with relatively low cost.
Crab Farming
Commercial crab farming can be done with minimal labor and land in smaller areas and at higher densities. Mud crab is a good aquaculture species due to its price, market acceptability, and rapid growth.
Carp Fish Farming
Carp fish shows a high tendency to consume animal food, including worms, water insects, mollusks, larvae of insects, and zooplankton. The eating habits of the fish play an important role in the profitability of carp farming.
Salmon Fish Farming
Salmon farming is the production of salmon from egg to market in a container system, net-cage, or pond. Salmon fish are carnivores. We need to use around 2 to 5 kilograms of wild fish in feed to produce one kilogram of farmed salmon.
Global Fish Production From 2013 to 2023
Step 2. Understand the Target Market
Business planning and feasibility analysis are important to be done before starting a fish farming business. Also, we should do deep market research before starting a fish farming business. Try to understand the local market demand. If you are going to begin aquaculture for export, talk to the fish processing units beforehand. Develop an alternative marketing strategy. Consumer types will differ depending on the type of fish you are raising.
If you are raising fish for commercial food products, re-stocking, or sport, then your base will contain large businesses. It requires a higher quantity of fish. Some consumers may include state or federal organizations that re-stock natural resources. If you are raising fish for pets or aquariums, your consumer group will be pet shops and specialty fish dealers. Customers may choose to contact you directly to remove the mediators and to expedite sales.
Step 3. Learn the Skills Required for Fish Farming
It is important to have some skills when starting a fish farming business. Some government-run farms conduct training programs. You can attend those types of programs to learn skills. Also, we can learn skills through working at a successful fish farm. It will teach you how to perform disease control, water quality management, marketing, feeding, and processing. There are some important things that we need to pay attention to when starting a fish farming business, which are given below:
Make sure that you have a consistent quality water source.
Check if your water temperature is suitable for raising fish species.
Make sure that you have easy access to the pond for harvesting and feeding.
Test the water in which you are beginning fish farming, both bacteriological and chemical.
Understand the modern technical method of risk management and risk assessment.
Finding reliable suppliers for fingerlings, fish eggs, and fish feed is important.
Learn about the permission and legal compliance needed to start a fish farming business in your locality.
The fish farming business includes two types of capital investment. They are fixed capital costs and operating costs. Fixed capital cost includes crafting ponds, land & building, plumbing arrangements, vehicles for transport, oxygen meters, several tanks, etc. Operating costs include buying fingerlings or fish eggs, electricity, fish feed, labor, fuel, medicine, chemicals, insurance, tax, telephone, transportation, and other maintenance costs involved.
You should prepare a detailed cost calculation of your fish farming project before entering into the business. The calculations will vary depending on the type of fish that you are choosing for fish farming, the total land area, and your desired output. Costs will vary depending on the size and scope of the project you are starting.
If you are making an aquarium-based farm, you will require tanks and pumps, water aerators, fish food and refrigerators, free/eggs or initial parent fish, water testing kits and equipment, etc. If you are starting a commercial fish farm, you will require land for ponds, a boat, a motor, equipment for excavating ponds, aerators, reclamation devices, fish food, equipment for managing and cleaning the pond, and fish processing equipment, and commercial-sized pumps, etc.
Step 5. Select the Right Location for Fish Farming
Some factors need to be considered while selecting the land for fish farming. It includes soil quality, size, and source of water. Choose a place that is big enough. Also, consider your plans so that size does not limit you when expanding your business. The soil quality directly affects the quantity and the quality of fish you get. So, choose a place with high-quality soil. You must do a soil test to make sure that it is at least over 20% clay, and also, check the relative level of space.
It is important to make sure that this place is not easily flooded. It will help you to prevent dirty water from entering the bond. The land should have fewer rocks. The continuous flow of water is the most important factor in fish farming. If you want to start a fish farm in the city or town area, you must have access to the municipal water source. If you want to start in a village area, it is essential to find a place near a stream, lake, or river.
Step 6: Get Permits
Secure all required permits and licenses before starting operations. Reach out to relevant local government departments to make sure you meet all legal obligations. This includes adhering to environmental, health, and safety regulations. Proper compliance not only ensures smooth functioning but also helps avoid legal penalties and delays. Always keep documentation up to date and accessible for inspections.
Step 7. Procurement of Equipment Needed for Fish Farming
The process of launching a fish farm is the same for small and large-scale farmers. Some of the basic equipment and tools required for a fish farming business are given below.
Pumps
Fish counters
Water testing equipment
Net/Seine reels
Fish tanks/Ponds
Aeration devices
Fish graders
Pumps are used to pump water in or out of the pond. These pumps are well-equipped. Also, it helps to make sure that you have a constant supply of water for the pond. Water testing equipment is used to help in testing the water. We can determine if the water is good for the fish by using this device.
The net collects all fish species together for the harvest. They help to catch large numbers of fish. Fish tanks or ponds are designed to raise large quantities of fish for marketing and harvesting. They are constructed to provide a better environment for the fish. Aeration equipment enables the good flow of oxygen within the pond.
Efficient management plays a key role in running a successful fishing business. This involves consistently checking water quality, ensuring proper feeding schedules, preventing and treating diseases, and protecting the stock from predators. Daily observation helps detect problems early and maintain healthy fish growth. Maintaining records of farm activities also supports better planning and decision-making. A well-managed farm leads to higher yields and sustainable operations.
The fish farming business has various advantages. Unemployment is one of the biggest problems in the current digital world. Raising fish will create so much employment. It will offer job opportunities for transporters, sellers, and farm workers. The increasing popularity of fish as food boosted the fish farming business globally. Also, so many people believe that eating fish will give many benefits. So, there is always a stable and reliable market for the fish business.
FAQs
How to start fish farming?
The steps or requirements for fish farming or fishery business are as below:
Step 1. Select the type of fish farming Step 2. Understand the target market Step 3. Learn the skills required for Fish Farming Step 4. Calculate the cost Step 5. Select the right location for fish farming Step 6. Get License Step 7. Procurement of equipment needed for fish farming Step 8. Implement Proper Farm Management Practices
What are the types of fish farming businesses?
Different types of Fish farming businesses are:
Tilapia Fish Farming
Catfish Farming
Crab Farming
Carp Fish Farming
Salmon Fish Farming
What is the size of fish market?
The global fish farming market size is projected to reach $378,005.5 million by 2027.
How to start fish farming on small scale in India?
To start small-scale fish farming in India, first choose a suitable location with clean water. Decide the type of fish you want to farm, like rohu or catla. Build a pond or use tanks, and get the required licenses from local authorities. Buy healthy fingerlings, ensure proper feeding, and regularly check water quality. Start small, monitor daily, and grow step by step.
Land is an asset and one of the most profitable assets indeed. Though we are surrounded by water on all sides, the land is what we need to survive. With the spread of civilization, land has become a scarce entity that needs to be conserved and used with utmost judiciousness and an eye to the future. Wondering how you can make money with empty land in India? Don’t worry; we’ve listed 61 business ideas for vacant land to make money from!
There is a wide range of land businesses that you might look up to use your vacant land to its full potential, but first, you need to consider some elemental factors like – The size of the land, Location of the land, Zoning laws of the area, Source of water, Safety hazards and precautions, Quality of soil and its composition, Vegetation and more. You can start a land related business to generate steady income from your unused property. Explore business ideas for empty land, such as starting a community garden, setting up a small event venue, or creating a solar farm.
Below are business ideas you can use to make money from your vacant land on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the type of business you choose. So, let’s dive into empty land business ideas without any further delay:
Self-sufficient cabins for eco-tourism or retreats
Medium
Medium to High
Farming
Farming – Empty land business ideas
Agriculture is one of the fastest-growing and demanding sectors in today’s world. Agricultural business means producing and marketing agricultural commodities such as livestock and crops. Your motivation for starting a farming business is the thing that will directly impact your strategy. You can plant food crops that you can sell locally or export. Agriculture-related businesses, when carried out with appropriate planning, passion, and dedication, can reward you with a very good income.
Outdoor Advertising
Outdoor advertising – vacant land business ideas
If your land is beside the highway or in any other strategic location, you can put up billboards on the land and charge the advertisers for displaying their adverts on your billboards. This type of business can be one of the best highway business ideas that can earn you a consistent passive income over a long period. As a business on highway land, it can generate profit for your business.
Storage Space/Warehouse
Starting a warehousing and plotting business is not possible without hard work. There are two sides to this business – the first is constructing/providing the space for the warehouse, and the second is offering warehousing services.
Some points you have to consider before starting this business:
Location of the warehouse.
Land should be flat enough so that no landfilling is required.
Should have an excellent approach road to the land/plot.
The plot/land should have a good width on the road for better movement of vehicles.
The layout of the warehouse depends on the shape of the land ideally, it should be square or rectangular.
The plot business should ensure that the land/plot offers the necessary facilities for income from vacant land water and electricity.
The world today has a great sense of fashion in everyday work. Gardeners are now showing more interest in finding new varieties of plants. The nursery business is very profitable and demanding, and you can easily run your own plant nursery business without any hassles. The primary step is the availability of land. This land must have the basic qualities of land for farming. A successful nursery offers a wide variety of young plants to customers who purchase the plants individually or in bulk quantities.
Firewood Business
Firewood Business – Vacant Land Business Ideas
If your land is stocked with trees, you can use it as a source for timber or firewood to sell. However, processing of firewood is necessary, and these woods shall also be moved from one location to another, so there needs to be a facility to do that.
Build a Spec House
Housing – vacant land business ideas
The demand for housing is strong, and real estate markets are booming. Building a single-family house, a multi-family dwelling could be the best use for vacant land. Investors typically make their money on spec homes in one of two ways. They can finance a percentage of the construction cost (lend money to a builder) and earn interest or share in the profits once the home is sold.
An amusement park business is perfect for fun-loving, passionate individuals who want to establish a profitable, self-rewarding business. The demand for amusement parks has grown strongly over the past few years. In the coming years, growth is expected to continue and have a positive influence on the outdoor entertainment and recreational industry. Before starting an amusement park, preparing a business report is a must. It helps in the development of the all-important physical planning guidance and reconfirms the physical parameters like the total land size needed, building space required, etc. This is a business to start on empty land in India.
Events Centre
The special events industry has seen quite a growth throughout the years, especially in the past decade. According to research, profits in this industry are always on the rise. The average profit margin can be as much as 40%.
Promotions (product launches, political rallies, fashion shows)
Commemorations (memorials, civic events) and more.
Training Grounds
Your land could be perfect for organizations, such as fire departments and construction firms, to train their employees. Training is really important, especially for the defense industry and all the people working in the emergency services sector. Therefore, using your land for one such purpose would always be a win-win option for you!
Children’s Educational Centre
Education Centre – vacant land business ideas
According to the Global industry, the private learning and tutoring market is experiencing rapid growth. Starting your educational learning centre allows you to get involved with a business trend that is headed in the right direction. Starting an educational learning centre also gives you the chance to make a difference in the lives of children every day.
Another business idea is to set up an athletic field where people can pay to play and train for games like football, basketball, volleyball, and other field sports.
Golf Course
Golf Course – vacant land business idea
Golf is one of the leading sports around the world. It promotes health and fitness. Many golf courses today are created to cater to the needs of every golfer may it be for sports, hobbies, or simply just spending time with friends and family. The area where the golf course would be established is one of the most important factors one must consider when it comes to establishing a golf course business. You need to hire hardworking, courteous, and honest employees for your golf course business. However, if you are not prepared to devote a significant amount of time to the business, then you can certainly lease/sell your vacant land for the same.
Railroad Storage/Access
You can earn money by allowing access and storage of railroad cars to the railway system. Also, consider leasing to other transportation systems such as buses and trolleys but for this, you need to have a fairly large tract of land that is well-connected with roads, etc.
Restaurant Garden
Gardening business is a fast-growing business idea that can save money and beautify the landscape while also helping the environment. Gardens can be traditional outdoor plots, formed on a smaller scale, a greenhouse, or planned as a restaurant garden. A restaurant garden is a unique concept of establishing a restaurant that looks like a garden and oozes fresh air. Turning your land into one such establishment is fascinating, along with being profitable!
Monthly rentals from mobile tower installation, along with potential empty land business ideas, may range between Rs 8000 per month and Rs 1 lakh per month. The amount may differ according to the height, size, and area of the property. The mobile tower agreement may vary from 12 months to a few years, but the owner may extend the lease to leverage a long-term benefit. The installed tower may positively impact property values.
RV Storage
RV Storage – Vacant Land Business Ideas
The demand for Recreational vehicles or RVs is increasing with each passing day, along with other vehicles, including cars. However, the fact that RVs require almost double the space that cars require is a rather palpable truth and this is what will come in handy that you can leverage if you have vacant land for use. Yes, think about this, you will just have to store RVs and earn money with your vacant land!
Campground
Camping is one such hobby that is never going to grow old. Hobbies that encourage people to step out of their mundane lives, like camping, are something that we all look forward to engaging in from time to time, simply because they help us shake the dust of our sedentary lives. Having a campground can be one of the best business ideas for 1 acre of land. Here’s where your land business can proliferate!
Solar Energy
Solar Energy – vacant land business ideas
The world of non-renewable sources is threatened and is giving way to renewable sources of energy, which is guiding humanity now. Solar energy is surely one such source that is capable of turning into a formidable alternative to finite sources of energy. However, it requires adequate space for the installation of solar panels to furnish the amount of energy needed. Therefore, if you are wondering about starting a business on empty land, then you can most certainly use your tract of land for the development of solar energy. This will be profitable as well as turn you into a responsible citizen, at the same time, who champions sustainability by limiting the use of fossil fuels.
Dairy products form an essential part of human beings’ diets. These products are reared from cattle, which need to be reared in vast tracts of land, where farms are set up. However, to establish farms, land is an essential requisite. Therefore, if you are currently possessing lands that are vacant and unused, then you can allow your land to be set up for a dairy farm, which will also help you improve your finances!
Horses belong to a limited group of animals that are reared for a variety of purposes. Along with carrying things and pulling carts, horses are also used for riding, which makes them form a central part of the sports and entertainment industry. Furthermore, this ensures that the horses always remain profitable for us, but when it comes to rearing, many of the horse owners back off due to a lack of stables. Here’s where you can pivot with your land business.
Wool processing
All of us have learned about wool and that it comes from the sheep. However, what we later know is that the wool processing industry, the core of which consists of animals and an abundant supply of land, is where the whole procedure takes place. So, if you are looking for creative uses of vacant land, which will also be profitable, then using it towards the development of the wool processing industry is something that you can opt for!
Summer Camps
Summer camps form an important part of the recreational activities of the students during their school and college. Summer camps are enthusiastic ventures that often drag professionals as well and do a lot more than supply them with plenty of fresh air. The land is the primary requisite for such camping activities. This is where you can pitch in the land you have to be blessed with huge prospects.
Petting Zoo
Petting Zoo – Vacant land business idea
Zoos almost always delight the young and the old. Petting zoos are a new concept that consists of a combination of both domesticated as well as wild animals. Such zoos are coming into being and grabbing a lot of attention of late. You can also contribute to one such zoo in case you have a tract of land to be used. A petting zoo would develop into a rewarding investment without a doubt!
It is always great to skate, and ice skating is easily one of the most prominent activities that you will find if you manage to ransack the bucket list of both students and professionals. Space is often a criterion that needs to be satisfied to establish an ice skating rink. However, if you already have land to your name, it shall become easier to connect the dots!
Vineyard
Who hates scrumptious wine that seeps in all the goodness of nature with each sip that you take? A vineyard takes a lot of time and effort to be developed, and most importantly, you would need land and a bunch of skilled employees to work on the wine. However, in case you already have land, you can put it into use for something as delicious, lucrative, and at the same time, innovative an idea as the establishment of a vineyard on your land. Besides, you can also hope for some discounts when it comes to the end products and an enormous fortune ahead!
The sound of the junkyard, as well as the name of the same, must be repelling for almost everyone, but if you can get over it for a single moment and look beyond the prospects of a junkyard, then it will be rather convincing. The automobile business is expanding, and the used-car companies are growing at an equal pace, which also demands the development of junkyards that will store junked cars and other accessories. Therefore, if you are wondering about “how to use vacant land to make money in India?” then, leveraging your land to build a junkyard will be rewarding indeed.
Outdoor Shooting Range
Outdoor Shooting Range – Vacant land business ideas
Shooting is an activity that many love to indulge in. An activity that forms a vital part of the policemen, men in the army, navy, and ex-army personnel, shooting is something that draws the commoners as well, and has grown to be an entertaining exercise. Though the foundation of shooting ranges is not something that needs a great deal of time or effort, it certainly requires a vast tract of land. This is why, if you already have spare land to be used and are wondering about some creative uses of vacant land, then the construction of an outdoor shooting range is something that you can opt for!
Biking/Zipline
Biking helps us unwind, along with aiding us with the speed that we require to perform our daily activities at the pace they demand. However, all that happens only when one gets past the preliminary difficulties in riding a bicycle or a bike. Many such courses are now conducted and are undertaken by a considerable number of people. However, establishing one such biking/zipline course needs a convincing amount of land. Therefore, if you presently have land and are looking to invest it for a land business, then leasing it for biking courses will work great and would be profitable indeed!
Beekeeping
Beekeeping – vacant land business ideas
Bees have a sting to remember, but it is often the honey that is most talked about and consumed all around the world. Construction of apiaries requires space, time, skilful staff, and more. Beekeeping is, in fact, a tough and hectic business, but if you have land and you cannot figure out a perfect business to start on empty land, then leasing it for beekeeping will not be a bad decision, far from it.
Antiques Market
Things from the past always delight us. Antique shops and their contents contain a wide range of usable items from the distant days, which are valuable, along with being expensive. Besides, most importantly, they are highly profitable for the shops. So, you can look up to an antique business as one of the best businesses to start on empty land.
Farmers’ market, by its very name, points out the market where the farmers are pivotal. The farmers’ markets are organic markets that encourage the sales of fresh produce from the farms to the end-users. This kind of marketing is highly encouraged now, where the users get the products that they deserve, and on the other hand, the farmers get their dues.
Yoga Studio
Yoga studio – vacant land business ideas
Yoga is one of the oldest practices, which originated in India and focuses on keeping the human body and mind fit and active. This ancient Indian practice was never lost and is seeing quite a revival in the present era that we are living in. Yoga works best where the mind is free and in unbridled contact with nature. This is why open grounds are preferred over a building floor or an artificial ground. Here’s where you can strike a deal with your open land. Leasing your land for a Yoga studio is something that you can seriously look into, in case you are looking for some inspiring land business ideas. This can be a profitable and one of the best ideas for small empty plots.
Parking Lot
The manufacturing of cars has increased over the years, and more and more of us are now opting for our cars instead of paying for car rentals. However, with the increase in cars, there is a constant demand for parking. Parking lots are comparatively fewer in number, and you can help in adding one more of them for the convenience of the society you live in. Leasing your land or turning it into a parking lot by yourself will help you earn all the proceeds that come from it!
Racing is one of the major sports activities. Whether it is a flat race by humans or races of bikes, cars, and any other animals like horses, dogs, etc., it needs a ground large enough to ensure smooth racing conditions and a wide space for the audience. Racing events are diverse and undoubtedly profitable. So, if you possess a piece of land, then using it for races is one of the most creative uses of vacant land that can help you earn money!
Agritourism
Agritourism is a portmanteau word made up of “agriculture” and “tourism.” Agritourism involves numerous activities usually carried out on a farm or a ranch that allow individuals and families to view and enjoy a wide range of rural activities. Agritourism is becoming a hugely popular activity among the masses of present-day societies. Turning your vacant land into a fine spot for agritourism is a prosperous plan indeed!
Electrical Substations
Electrical substations are essential in providing us with an adequate supply of electricity. Construction of electric substations requires a considerable amount of space, along with all the heavy equipment and machinery that is integral to a substation. Thus, if you own a large tract of empty land, then you can perhaps contribute to building an electrical substation.
Shooting for movies, short films, and television series needs photogenic locations. Exotic natural locations are tough to find and even pose a lot of restrictions; movie studios or sets, on the other hand, happen to be versatile and can be created to suit a wide range of moods, sets, and settings. These movie sets can be indoor and outdoor, while the latter provides much more room for customization. So, if you are ruminating on the creative uses of vacant land to make money out of it, then turning it into a film location would be a wonderful idea that would be lucrative, too!
Photos are always special to us. Besides, with the pace at which social media sites are moving, photos are getting the exposure that they never used to get before. We can always click photos anytime and anywhere, but clicking pictures in natural outdoor locations brings the best out of the photos. Creating photography sites needs land that can support a mix of natural and artificial structures, and here’s where the land you possess can be a great benefit.
Bird Watching
Bird Watching – Vacant land business ideas
If you have land to your name, then look out whether it is suitable for the birds because the birds deserve attention, and they get it when watched from a bird sanctuary. Bird watching is one of the best hobbies that people nurture and your spare land might also have the potential of being turned into a bird sanctuary that will yield quite a profit.
School Field Trips
School trips or excursions are what we like the most. School excursions are varied in nature and are modeled on the particular subject or the lesson that is meant to be taught through the trip. Such school field trips can be a memorable experience, truly, and the first thing they demand is enough space. So, why not put the land you have to some use and build it into a hub for a school field trip?
As a Collateral Asset
Money is something that all of us require every time, and in this age where everything is uncertain and we run the risk of getting our income reduced all the time, the value of land is ever-increasing. Therefore, if you are the owner of a piece of land, then it is always commendable to keep it safe with you so that you can also use it as a collateral asset in case the situation turns bad any day!
Resort/Villas/Tents/Tree Houses
Who doesn’t love to pay an occasional visit to resorts/villas or indulge in a weekend getaway that would involve tree houses and tent stays? Constructing a resort or villa with the land you have in your possession can stand as a game-changing idea if you are looking to opt for a land business that would be hugely beneficial.
Herbs make our food complete. There are numerous species of herbs that send us drooling. So, how about turning your vacant piece of land into an alluring herb garden, which will not only be a treat to the eyes of the tourists who visit there but also help in yielding fresh produce year after year?
Drive-in Theatre
Drive-in Theatre – Open Land Business Ideas
There are theatres that people can visit while they are in cars, and they can happily park them or watch their favorite movies or the best parts of their vehicles, too. Yes, it is a form of outdoor theatre that is rare now. However, a drive-in theatre has the potential to become a favorite. You can also contribute to that if you agree to lease out your land for open land business ideas to construct one of such theatres, or you can create one yourself and bring in a handsome profit.
Tiny House Estate
Most of us today advocate extravaganza or dream about living in extravagance. However, what we lack is a simple life. This is the reason why the tiny-house movement or small-house movement came into being, which advocates the downsizing of apartments and other living spaces, thereby promoting “living with less”. Yes, you can perhaps look at the brighter side of “living with less” by helping yourself construct a tiny house estate! Additionally, consider exploring business ideas on land to maximize its potential.
Rent/Lease it Out!
If you have a piece of land to your name, you can simply opt to rent it out to a bright prospect. Besides, if you cannot figure out what to do with the land you have, then it is quite lucrative if you simply rent it out because that will help you keep the land to yourself while accruing money on your behalf. You can give it some time and then decide on something permanent with the land.
We have parks for us, but what about our pets? Yes, our four-legged friends also enjoy outdoor activities almost as much as we do, if not more. This idea has been strongly supported, which is the reason why pet parks are rapidly coming into prominence. If you are not convinced of any land related business ideas that you have come across, then how about leasing or selling out your land to construct a pet park? Sounds great and one of the most creative uses of vacant land, right?
Harvest Timber
Harvest Timber – Vacant Land business ideas
Wood is essential for the survival of humanity, and so are the trees. Therefore, cutting down forests on a large scale would never be good for anybody. We need an alternative solution to the same. Harvesting trees for timber can certainly be one of the most promising alternatives to the conspicuous problem. This is what you can do with your land if you are wondering how to use vacant land to make money in India. Explore small business ideas for vacant land to maximize its potential. Starting a land-related business can be highly profitable with the right strategy.
Wind Energy
Onshore Wind Energy Installed Capacity in India
There are several profitable business ideas for land owners that can generate steady income and long-term value. Generating an alternative source of energy is commendable, but space is one of the fundamental requisites to be able to do so. For instance, if you have decided on the generation of wind energy, then firstly, you ought to have land that you can put to use, and then you should be equipped with all the machinery needed for the same. However, you can wilfully avoid the next part if you are ready with a piece of vacant land that can be sold or leased.
Pave a Biking/Walking Trail
Trail walking or biking are some of the most popular hobbies of the generation of now, which lead to a life that is almost sedentary. These activities are not only interesting but thrilling, to say the least. So, if you possess a piece of vacant land, then paving it for a biking or walking trail is one of the most desirable businesses to start on empty land. This can be a perfect business idea with land, helping you earn with a small investment.
Religions consist of a world of their own, which is very much palpable to all of us. However, retreating to a sanctuary that is overloaded with peace and divinity is the desire of many at the close of the day. This is why you can help turn your land into a spiritual sanctuary for tourists to rest and meditate for a while during their busy day.
Outdoor Art Installation
Turn your empty land into a cultural space by creating an outdoor gallery or art installation. You can charge visitors a fee or work with local advertisers to earn money while supporting local art and culture.
Pop-Up Facility
There are many creative ideas for small empty lots, such as setting up a food truck park, a pop-up market, or a community garden. Rent your land to local businesses or groups for special events like food truck festivals, farmers’ markets, craft fairs, fundraisers, or pop-up cinemas.
By charging a rental fee, you can earn money while supporting local businesses and bringing the community together. Your land can be used for different events all year round.
Sports Fields
Use your land to build sports fields for games like soccer, cricket, or baseball. Rent the fields to schools, clubs, or leagues.
You can also offer extras like equipment rentals, changing rooms, or a snack area.
Working with schools or clubs helps you earn money and supports the community by encouraging sports and fitness.
Paintball Facility
Paint Facility – Vacant Land business ideas
Wondering what to do with land that is vacant! Turn your empty land into a fun paintball center for group activities. Set up safe gear and exciting obstacle courses to give players a thrilling experience.
You can earn more by hosting tournaments, events, and renting the space for private parties. A good paintball center is great for team-building and popular with companies and youth groups.
Community Garden Plots
Turning vacant land into community garden plots can be a rewarding and profitable venture, especially in urban areas with limited green space. Renting out plots to locals allows them to grow fresh produce and enjoy nature. To add value, you can offer extras like tool rentals, composting facilities, and gardening workshops.
Hunting Property
If your land has deer or other wild animals around, you can turn it into a hunting business. Hunters will pay for permits, and you can offer extra services like guided hunts, camping, and equipment rentals. This can also help with wildlife conservation and teach people about safe hunting.
Concert Venue
Turn your open space into an outdoor concert venue and bring music and culture to the community. Host local and touring artists while earning from ticket sales, space rentals, and ads. Partner with food trucks and craft breweries to enhance the experience. A great concert space can support local artists and offer a fun entertainment option for everyone.
Landscape Supply Business
Turn your vacant land into a landscape supply business. Sell tractors, mowers, and other landscaping tools, with space for demos and testing. Offer gardening supplies like soil, mulch, and decorative stones to attract local landscapers and homeowners. This can be a great way to generate income while becoming a go-to resource in your community.
Nature Preserve
Turn your vacant land into a nature preserve where visitors can enjoy hiking trails, gardens, and peaceful ponds. Charge a small entry fee or earn through picnic areas, rental equipment, and guided tours. This not only generates income but also helps protect local wildlife and educate people about nature conservation.
Off-Grid Cabins
Off-grid cabins are eco-friendly, self-sustaining homes that operate independently of public utilities. They attract nature lovers, digital detox seekers, and eco-tourists looking for peaceful retreats. These cabins typically use solar power, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets. They can be rented short-term for steady income or sold as ready-made tiny homes. This idea combines sustainable living with tourism and real estate.
Conclusion
If you have land but no money, there are still several ways to generate income, such as renting it out, starting a small business, or partnering with others for development. Hope this list of business ideas for vacant lands helps you! Remember, the suitability of these business ideas with land is dependent on various factors of the vacant land. So, make the most suitable & feasible decision.
Know any other unique business ideas that can be added to the list? If yes, please share your thoughts/opinions. [Contact: shubham@startuptalky.com]
FAQs
I have land what business can I start?
Somevacant land business ideas of the best business to start on empty land in village are:
Farming
Nursery
Athletic Fields
Solar Panel
Dairy Farm
Cell Phone towers
Vineyard
Farmers Market
Yoga Studio
Wind Energy
Is buying and selling land profitable?
Land can be used for residential as well as commercial investment. Buying and selling land can produce high profits.
What is the most profitable farming business?
The most profitable farming businesses are:
Agricultural Farm
Flower Business
Poultry Farming
Snail Farming
Fish Farming
What are some of the most lucrative landscape business ideas today?
If you are looking for landscape business ideas, then the below-mentioned landscape business ideas would be quite in demand today, thereby helping you earn decent revenues:
Interior landscaping service
Hydroseeding service
Pest control and weeding service
Landscape architecture service
Lawn care service
What are some unique garden business ideas?
Some of the easiest and most profitable garden business ideas are:
Backyard gardening
Herb growing
Flower growing
Vegetable farming
Seed selling
Fertiliser selling
Party organizing
Poultry farm
Beekeeping
Dog training
Photography/Videography
Airbnb
Yoga training
Is it legal to run a business from a residential property in India?
Yes, if it is your residential property, then you can easily run a business in India, as long as it is not an illegal business that you are thinking of. However, if it is another’s residential property, then running a business from it is illegal.
How to earn money from land in village?
You can earn money from land in a village by leasing it out for farming or livestock grazing or by developing it for agricultural or residential purposes. Additionally, consider setting up small-scale businesses like organic farming, eco-tourism, or establishing a local market on the land to generate income.
How to use empty land for business?
Making land pay for itself is possible if you decide on a business which you can utilize the land for. You can certainly use your vacant land for business purposes, which will help you obtain decent revenues and pay for your land.
What is the business to start on empty land India?
Use empty land for farming, rentals, sports fields, events, or fun spaces like paintball or outdoor galleries.
How to make money with land?
You can make money with land by leasing it, selling it, farming, or developing it for real estate.
What are creative ways to make money with land?
There are many creative ways to make money with land, from leasing it out to setting up unique experiences or services. Landowners can think beyond traditional farming and explore opportunities like eco-tourism, events, or renewable energy. With the right approach, even unused land can become a valuable income-generating asset.
Covid-19 came and changed everything, from our schedule to our eating habits. As the concern of health and priority is growing due to the pandemic, Indians are now becoming more health-conscious than ever. According to industry experts, there is a possibility of at least a 20-25 per cent increase in the compounded growth of organic food in India for the year 2022-22. One of the most important learning people gained was the need to build strong immunity as a possible shield against some deadly viruses.
Organic food being full of antioxidants and nutrients provide one of the best ways to boost immunity. Hence, instead of risking their health further, people will prefer to buy and even pay an extra premium for organic food. Looking at the scenario it can be said that, this is the right time to invest in a Microgreen Business in India. In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about the Microgreen business in India and how can one start one. So, let’s get started.
Microgreens are the first leaves that grow from the seeds of herbs, vegetables, or flowers. They are harvested within 14 days of seed germination. Microgreens are found to be 40 times more nutritious than mature vegetables. They are said to be profitable crops and can be grown in a little space. Once they are grown you can start your microgreen business. Microgreen businesses are quite profitable and you could make good money from them.
How to Start a Microgreen Business in India?
Before starting the business remember to do market research on your prospective clients. To grow microgreens, vertical farming is employed. The vertical farm grows plants and produces them by stacking the plants. This is accomplished by using growing shelves suspended on a wall which uses much less space than growing the plants on the ground.
To start a small microgreen business you require a one-time investment in metal shelves, lights, and flat trays. Microgreen business does not require a huge space, you can grow your farm in a space as small as 6sqft. You can even grow microgreens in a small apartment.
Microgreens require a perfect environment to grow, they need at least 16 hours of light and the temperature should be maintained at 15-26 degrees Celsius. Watering should be done twice once in the morning and in the evening. One thing you should keep in mind is microgreens should be supplied immediately once they are ready.
Tips to Start Your Own Microgreen Business in India
Study your Market Extensively
Every market is different from another, so before starting your microgreen business take some time and study your market extensively, and do some market research when growing microgreens for profit. Do study your local markets.
Try Different Marketing Strategies
The most important step of marketing is understanding customer sentiments. Word of mouth sales is an old-school trick but it’s always effective. News always reaches fast, when it travels through the mouth. The news can be both positive and negative because in both ways people will take an interest. Hence, use this old marketing strategy to promote your startup.
Evaluate Health Risk
The health risk is an important aspect to consider while setting up any food business. The disease can spread rapidly if the food product is not handled correctly. Handle and grow microgreens properly to minimize health risks entirely.
Consider Packaging
If you are selling microgreens to a retailer, there is a possibility that if an employee mishandles your products your reputation might be at risk. This is one of many reasons that packaging is important.
Benefits of a Microgreen Business in India
Starting your own microgreen business can be profitable as it has several benefits right from the start. Some of those benefits are:
In a country like India, microgreen businesses are quite profitable. The main advantage of a microgreen business is that it can be grown almost anywhere. It is both profitable and practical to start and manage a microgreen market in India. Many businesses and startups are investing in microgreen business, as it is profitable and requires less space. Those who want to go into this industry can select it as their business, and anyone who can start it without any problem.
Microgreen Plants
Microgreen Business Requirements in India
When you decide to start a Microgreen business, you need to invest in a few things, some of them are one time investments and the others are regular ones.
One time Investments
Metal shelf
Lights
Flat trays
Small space to grow your microgreens
Recurring Cost
Containers
Seeds
Growing medium
Water
Electricity
What Are the Best Plants to Grow as Microgreens?
Some of the best plants to grow as microgreens are:
Pansies
Tomatoes
Basil
Mint
Sunflowers
Radishes
Potatoes
Spinach
Global Microgreen Market Share
Conclusion
Every market is a little different so Starting and growing a microgreen business could take some time and effort, but being consistent is the key. Research your market extensively and market your product effectively to grow your business. Looking at the scenario it can be said that, This is the right time to invest in a Microgreens Business in India.
FAQs
How much Investment is required to start a microgreen business in India?
Investment required to start your own microgreen business can be up to as low as INR 15,000 which can go up to INR 5 Lakhs.
What is the minimum space required to grow microgreens?
You can grow your farm in a space as small as 6sqft. You can also grow microgreens in a small apartment.
Is it profitable to sell microgreens?
Yes, It is both profitable and practical to start and manage a microgreens market in India.
What kind of soil do microgreens require?
Any organic potting soil will work best for growing your microgreens.
Farm Bot made a splash in the news, but it’s far from the only farming startup working directly with farmers to improve farming practices. Robots are taking over farms – US tech startups want to bring automation to farms. Robots are the latest farmhands in a resurgence of interest and investment in agricultural tech. Farms are getting into computers and IT once again, with innovations made possible by improvements in sensors and semiconductor technology. Recently, a new wave of tech startups is working hard to automate agriculture with robots and AI. For example, a technology that hoes fields using computer vision autonomously identifies weeds and destroys them with targeted amounts of herbicides or pesticides. It can do this much more cost-effectively than humans can.
Farming is a highly competitive industry. Farmers are under constant pressure to grow more crops and livestock while keeping production costs low. As the world’s population increases, farms will need new ways to boost productivity and efficiency. This may include adopting technologies once thought of as science fiction, such as self-driving tractors and robotic milking machines.
The machinery and technology that farmers use are constantly evolving to make them more efficient. This can positively impact the environment, but it’s also led to some negative consequences, such as the loss of many jobs in farming.
Farmers have invested in drones for aerial imaging, GPS-guided tractors, and other technologies to boost efficiency and reduce labour costs in recent years. In the next decade, robots may be able to help with more complex tasks such as weeding, harvesting and pruning.
The seed-planting machines can operate at night and in the rain, so they don’t have to wait for ideal weather conditions. It’s all part of the farm’s efforts to remove humans from the equation and use technology to boost productivity.
The advances in agriculture have been nothing short of spectacular. Farm equipment gets more powerful, precise and efficient every year. Farms are becoming more automated in almost every way imaginable. Barns have become more comfortable and efficient for animals. Crops are being grown in vertical greenhouses and hydroponically — without soil. There are even robots that milk cows now.
What are the advantages of robots on farms?
Robots can do the farm work without getting tired. Even if they get damaged, you can easily repair them. Robots are more accurate than humans, and they can do a lot of work in a short period. Unlike humans, robots don’t need water or food to survive. Machines don’t have to rest day or night. They can work 24/7. Here are a few of the top advantages of having robots on the farm.
More efficient work
Robots can be programmed to pick the fruits and vegetables in a certain way so that only the best produce is selected and sent to market. This means that farms will waste less food. After all, it will no longer need to be picked by hand, which requires more employees and results in wasted produce because it was picked incorrectly or bruised during transport.
Reduced labor costs
Robots are becoming more common in factories because they can perform more efficiently than human workers. The same is true on farms. Robotic equipment can be programmed to handle tasks requiring precision and speed while also performing repetitive tasks without getting tired or injured. This reduces labour costs for farmers with robotic equipment deployed on their farms.
Reduced risk of injury
Farms pose many potential hazards for humans – from sharp machinery and heavy equipment to dangerous chemicals and inclement weather conditions. By automating certain tasks that require human interaction with these dangers, you can reduce the risk posed to your employees – keeping them safe from harm.
Increased productivity
As well as working longer hours than humans for minimal cost, robots can also increase productivity levels by performing tasks faster and more accurately than their human counterparts.
They’re cheap
Robots can be programmed to do a certain job, and once they’ve been programmed, they won’t need any more training; they’ll just do the job repeatedly without getting tired or bored.
They’re fast
Robots can work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without any breaks. This means that a farmer can get more work done in less time. In addition, the faster you complete your work, the less money it will cost you in labour costs and equipment wear and tear.
Big data and machine learning algorithms can help farmers increase harvests while reducing their environmental footprint. The conventional farming techniques and methods that we’ve used for decades are becoming obsolete — machines and computers are taking over farms. So what is happening with farm bots? Let’s look at these companies and their technologies.
FarmBot – The First Open-source CNC Farming Machine
FarmBot – Agritech Startups in the US
FarmBot is an open-source CNC farming machine and software package designed for small-scale personal farming. It uses a web application and Arduino-powered firmware to control a set of stepper motors that move a tool head around a patch of soil, performing the various tasks required for farming. The goal is to empower people to grow food with confidence in their backyard or community garden by offering you an easily deployable, scalable, and customizable robotic gardening system.
The Farmbot team’s vision is that one day farmers and every person will have access to healthy food grown with love at home, in their community gardens, and on local farms — regardless of their background or income.
Abundant Robotics – Apple Harvesting Robot
Abundant Robotics – Agritech Startups in The US
Abundant Robotics is working on a harvesting robot for apples. The company’s prototype can identify and pick apples with more precision than a human.
The robot uses a vacuum system to pick the fruit from the tree. Technology does not appear to damage the apple or the tree. However, the company says that it needs further testing before making this technology commercially available.
The robot uses a combination of cameras and computer vision software to find good apples on trees and suction cups to grab them without damaging them gently. It can pick an apple every 12 seconds and works day and night.
The technology is limited to apple growers in Washington state but hopes to develop robots that can harvest various soft fruits and vegetables.
Burro formerly (Augean Robotics) – Agritech Startups in The US
Burro, formerly known as Augean Robotics wants to replace herbicides and manual labour with fleets of robots that patrol vineyards, orchards, and farms.
The Augean robot looks like a mini tank on treads. It has two wheels, each with vertical blades that cut down weeds as it moves along the rows. It also sprays vinegar to keep weeds from growing back.
The idea is that farmers would use a fleet of wheeled drones that would be able to successfully detect weeds and kill them, allowing farmers to increase their crop yields and earn big.
Boston Dynamics – Atlas Robot
Boston Dynamics – Agritech Startups in The US
Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot can do an impressive range of activities, from tai chi to parkour. And now, it can help out around the farm.
Boston Dynamics has released a video showing Atlas carrying a crate of lettuce heads across an obstacle course and then placing them in a box.
Atlas is a bipedal robot that stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 180 pounds. It’s designed to tackle human-like tasks, including lifting heavy objects, opening doors, and walking in rough terrain.
In the latest video, Atlas steps over hurdles positioned in its path. They then balanced on one foot while picking up the crate using the other foot. It then bends over to place the container into a box.
Iron Ox – Autonomous Growing Facility
Boston Dynamics – Agritech Startups in The US
Iron Ox, a California startup, deploys autonomous growing, harvesting, and delivery for local farms.
The Iron Ox approach has some similarities to the indoor farms you’ve probably heard about: The produce is grown in a warehouse-like building that allows for year-round cultivation.
But there are several significant differences. First of all, Iron Ox’s facility isn’t stacked with trays of plants under grow lights. Instead, it uses hydroponics, which involves directly exposing the plants’ roots to nutrient-rich water rather than soil. The company says this approach allows its system to cultivate plants with the same taste and nutritional qualities as those grown in open fields or greenhouses but use 90% less water and 99% less land.
The company grows greens in climate-controlled shipping containers (they are, after all, based in Silicon Valley) using an AI system called Angus. Then, according to each plant’s specific requirements, Angus monitors the plants’ needs and sends them what they need — water and nutrients.
Blue River Technology – A Technology That Hoes Fields Using Computer Vision
Blue River Technology – Agritech Startups in The US
In the 1950s, when a man named John Deere invented the first tractor, he probably did not think that a self-driving tractor would be hoeing fields one day.
Blue River Technology is a tech company that uses computer vision to help farmers make faster and better decisions. As a result, farm management should be more economical and less environmentally harmful. Still, many require regular manual inspection of crops—a time-intensive process with a high margin of error. Blue River Technology has created see-and-spray technology that allows its machines to distinguish between crops and weeds. Once they know what’s what, they can spray herbicide at just the right moment through real-time analytics software.
The idea is cashier-less stores by Amazon. The company has created see-and-spray technology that allows its machines to distinguish between crops and weeds. Once they know what’s what, they can spray herbicide at just the right moment. This will enable farmers to save money by only spraying the plants that need it.
The promise of Blue River’s tech is huge: less waste, more productivity, and lower costs for farmers.
The future of farming looks like a science fiction movie, with robots planting crops, drones monitoring fields and satellites providing information from space. But are robots taking over farms?
Not quite yet. Despite the many advancements in technology, there is still a significant need for people on farms. Many tasks still require a human touch, like planting delicate crops and harvesting them.
The world of farming is changing. Advances in technology, including robots that can be programmed to work together, have allowed those working in the fields to get more done with less labour. These innovations are making farming more efficient and, at the same time, cheaper for farmers.
Farm automation is already revolutionizing the way farming is done. For example, robots are now being used to help farmers plant and harvest crops more efficiently. The future of agriculture is even more exciting, as modern technology will soon allow farmers to do things they couldn’t even dream possible with no human intervention at all.
Conclusion
US Tech Startups making Farming Robots will change the world with technologies of the future.
Innovation can make businesses more efficient, with substantial cost savings. Farms could benefit immensely from automation. Their use has already helped farmers, and their numbers are snowballing. Automating farming will lead to immense cost savings, which will allow businesses to focus more resources on the more pressing issues they face. Agricultural robots are already here, and there’s no sign that they’ll stop making life farmer’s life easier any time soon. We should pay attention now because agricultural automation is on the horizon. Robots will revolutionize farming, and they will do it faster than you’d think. Fields that formerly needed thousands of workers to plough will soon be mechanized. Instead of being job killers, AI farms could provide work for thousands of people in the future, managing the robots and maintaining them, among other things. Automating farming will lead to immense cost savings, which will allow businesses to focus more resources on the more pressing issues they face. Humanity will be better off with robotics in the future, and the world is excited to witness this.
FAQs
Are robots used for agriculture?
Robots are used for many purposes in agriculture. Some examples are:
Harvest Automation
Autonomous Growing
Orange Harvester
Apple Harvester
Autonomous mowing
Lettuce bot
Weed-killing
Which are the companies working for robotics farming?
Some of the best Robotics Companies working for robotics farming are:
Blue River Technology
Harvest CROO Robotics
Iron Ox
Boston Dynamics
Trace Genomics
Burro Robotics
FarmShots
Abundant Robotics
What are the top technologies ruling Agriculture?
Top Technologies ruling agriculture are:
FarmBot – The First Open-source CNC Farming Machine
Since the Indus Valley Civilisation, agriculture has been the lifeline of India. We have 70% of Indian households still dependent on farming, contributing 17–18% to the country’s GDP, according to the latest report.
Agritech startups have great potential in India. There is a huge scope of Agritech startups for India’s farmers who are striving against unreliable climate changes, water scarcity, price hikes, and many other problems.
Agritech is the concept of applying modern technologies to the agricultural sector with a view of enhancing and producing with efficiency and generating sufficient revenue to support livelihoods.
The concept extends to any kind of applications, practices, products, and services that enhance any aspect, whether input or output, of the agricultural process.
Why is there a Need For Agritech Startups in India?
Today’s farmer faces a lot of challenges to sustain their livelihood through farming. Malpractices in the unorganized agricultural markets and the absence of organized marketing systems for production are becoming a major concern for Indian farmers.
Moreover, they have to deal with poor transportation and storage services and much more. They have limited access to superior technology to get timely information and agricultural solutions which leaves them vulnerable and all by themselves.
Agritech startups have the potential to address these challenges from the very beginning, and subsequently change the face of Indian agriculture. They are the knights in shining armour for Indian farmers.
Initiatives by Indian Government For Agritech Startups
The Government of India has been dynamically making policies to improve farmers’ lives in India. In fact, the government has promised its citizens to double the incomes of farmers by the end of 2022.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said that the government will support new entrepreneurs in driving value addition to farmers’ produce from the field.
The NITI Aayog is collaborating with companies like IBM to pilot technology-driven solutions for the agriculture sector in order to provide real-time advice to the farmers. As a result, artificial intelligence is being used to develop crop-yield protection models.
The Agritech sector is a fast-growing sector with great potential to benefit Indian agriculture and eventually raise farmers’ incomes. Currently, India has 450 Agritech startups and is reported to grow by 25% every year by NASSCOM.
A wave of Agritech startups has emerged in the last few years in India. In India Agritech sector has come a long way with 43 startups in 2013 to more than 1000 startups in 2020, driven by rising in rural internet penetration, a rise in post-harvest and supply chain losses, a growing number of investors interest in the sector, etc.
They are now able to solve agricultural problems such as the use of outdated equipment, supply chain management, lack of proper infrastructure, and farmers unable to access a wider range of markets with ease.
According to the latest report, over 3.23 billion dollars were invested in the agriculture sector worldwide. Of this,53 Indian Agritech startups raised 313 million dollars. This is a huge breakthrough for Indian startups and these figures will inspire young entrepreneurial minds of our country to seek in the direction of agricultural technology.
Which States are Focusing on Agritech Startups in India?
Although all states are aware of the importance of Agritech startups for agriculture to flourish, some states have actually established startup ecosystem hubs. Karnataka and Maharashtra together account for almost 50 percent of the total Agritech startups opened in the past 5 years in the whole country.
Although Gujarat has a low share in Agritech startups, according to the State Startup Ranking Report 2018 published by The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), it is the best-performing state in the Indian Agritech startup ecosystem hub.
Leading Agritech Startups in India
1) Ecozen Solutions
Ecozen Solutions Logo
Based in Pune, this Agritech startup was founded in 2010 by Devendra Gupta, Prateek Singhal, and Vivek Pandey. It focuses on developing technology-enabled products to strengthen the farm-to-fork value chain of perishables, with a focus on renewable energy and sustainable development.
Till now, Ecozen has developed two products so far:
Ecofrost, is a device that acts as a portable cold room that maintains a low temperature. It works on solar power.
Ecotron, a pump controller for irrigation that also works on solar power.
According to the company, approximately 20,000 farmers in India have used their products. But the owners don’t want to stop there. They are planning to enter new areas for irrigation sales and launch a new set of cold-chain products.
2) FreshVnF
FreshVnF Logo
FreshVnF is founded by entrepreneurs Atul Kumar, Vikas Dosala, Sumit Rai, and Aashish Krishnatre in 2018. It is a Mumbai based Agritech startup that uses machine learning (ML) to optimize a farm-to-fork supply chain by connecting farmers with hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
FrenshVnf is a prospering company, having recently raised 2 million dollars in a funding round led by Equanimity Ventures. It has delivered around 15 tonnes of fresh produce per day to more than 300 clients. The company now aims to provide fresh farm produce to the end customer within 16 hours of harvesting.
3) FIB-SOL Life Technologies
FIB-SOL Life Technologies Logo
FIB-SOL Life Technologies is an agritech startup that was founded in 2013 by a team of post-doctoral and doctoral scholars of IIT Madras. The company’s technology is focused on developing low-cost bio-fertilizers that help farmers to improve crop yield and soil quality.
The company offers three products for its customers under GEL and DROPS which provide microbial nutrients to enrich the fertility of farmlands. They are priced at Rs 420 and Rs 100, respectively.
FIB-SOL also aims to improve product shelf life for manufacturers, help suppliers stock inventory efficiently, and eventually boost farmers’ income. In May last year, the startup received Rs 1.5 crore in angel investment from Keiretsu Forum in Chennai.
Agritech startups are the need of the nation right now. More and more entrepreneurs are setting up companies in this field, grabbing the opportunity to transform the sector. The government policies are also giving thrust to these startups so that they can easily find investors. The farmers can finally look forward to better price realization now and embrace this new initiative.
FAQs
What is agriTech?
AgriTech is the concept of applying modern technologies to the agricultural sector with a view of enhancing and producing with efficiency and generating sufficient revenue to support livelihoods.
How many agritech startups are there in India?
There are nearly 600 to 700 agritech startups in India.
Are there any listed agritech companies in India?
Bayer CropScience, Godrej Agrovert, and PI Industries are some of the listed agritech companies in India.
Why is agritech important in India?
AgriTech promises to help farmers increase crop yields, improve animal health, reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and improve scalability by easing the burden of labour-intensive tasks.
What do agritech companies do?
AgriTech companies work on products, services or applications derived from agriculture that improve various processes. Technology and data can open new opportunities and help solve problems with production, traceability, and the preservation of natural resources.
Think about your school textbooks, do you remember some section that said “There are three main types of activities that humans do” ? The three main activities are primary, secondary and tertiary activities. Primary is agriculture and raw work, Secondary is manufacturing using raw stuff, Territory is service providence.
We all have been taught through our schooling that Humankind’s primary work is and always was “Agriculture”. We see little variations here and there, like technology being used as a helping hand, but agriculture is a field that has been constant for a long time now. Today here we are gonna talk about a type of farming that has been practiced from as early as the 1650s. It is known as Seaweed farming.
Seaweeds are millions of species of algae found in the sea. It is macroscopic marine algae. Algae is an informal term for a diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotes(organisms). Seaweed is consumed across the world, it can also be used to produce edible packaging.
Seaweed Edible Packaging
Seaweed farming is a part process of Algaculture, that is agriculture of algae. Seaweed is macro-algae, that means they can be seen with naked eyes. Thus we can actually create farms in an ocean, sounds fictional right ?
If you think seaweed is used just in Asian dishes like sushi, think again. It can be found in almond milk, baby food and lotion. Kelp is used in making, animal feed, medicine, fertilizer and even in your beer.
The commercial seaweed market size could surpass $85 billion by 2026, according to Global Market Insights. Seaweed farmer Bren Smith says all one needs to start the business is $20,000, 20 acres and a boat, and that investment in a single seaweed farm can net up to $90,000 to $120,000 per year.
Here’s why the global demand for seaweed is expected to boom in the coming years.
Sustainable
Seaweed farming
Seaweed farming needs no fresh water, no fertilizer and no feed. All these traits make this farming one of the most sustainable farming methods out there. This method of food creation not only requires less inputs but also absorbs carbon and nitrogen from the environment and rebuilds reef systems underwater.
Kelp is not only good with maintaining sea life it is also useful and sustainable in other ways too. Research shows that around 50 to 80% of the total environment oxygen supply comes from seaweed, that is nothing but plants in seas. It is a good biofuel also as it is photosynthetic.
Cows produce a lot of methane. That is a greenhouse gas. It was found by a university that adding a small amount of kelp to the diet of cows can help minimise the Green house gases.
Abundance
There are almost ten thousand types of kelps (seaweeds) in water. This makes it abundant in variety and accessibility. It can also be seen as an alternative for Overfishing. Which is a decline of fish in water bodies because of excessive fishing by humans.
Kelp will help in better balancing the life ecosystem in the seas and outside. That is the reason some people even like to call it “Restorative ocean farming” as it helps rejuvenate sea life.
Usability Factor
As mentioned earlier, seaweed is super useful in many forms and ways, like you can actually list them. It is used in almond milk, baby food, lotion, animal feed, medicine, fertilizer and even in your beer. Kelp is used as additives, dental moulds, wound dressing, dispersing and thickening agents in soups and other personal care products.
McDonalds even went one step forward and made a seaweed styled burger. Packaging the burger as a lighter burger. That is super light in calories, containing about 91% less calories. The burger stayed on the menu for 5 long years.
McDonalds Seaweed Burger
However we discussed some pros or advantages for seaweed farming, it would not be justified if we don’t point out the few negatives or cons of alga-culture.
Overhead Costs
The overhead costs of setting up a seaweed farm is quite much and can be hard for someone to adapt to it quickly. As we see a rise in the number of people getting intrigued by this way of farming and the increase in the number of sea farmers, we hope that this cost will be lowered in the upcoming time.
The Seaweed Squad – India
There lives a group of women in southern India’s Rameshwaram involved in seaweed culture forming probably the first Women seaweed squad. Under the coastal disaster coastal risk reduction project the government was trained to cultivate seaweed. The project was funded by World bank and focused on increasing sustainability and opening floodgates of opportunities for womenfolk in the region.
Widows and single women are prioritized to form self help groups for initiation. This is surely a welcoming indicator. It made them independent and confident. This instance shows that India can be seen as a popular landmark for seaweed farming. Watch video below to know more,
Conclusion
The World is excited about this method and it is expected to be a boom in future. Seaweed doesn’t need fresh water, doesn’t need soil, doesn’t need farming or even fertilizer. It absorbs carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen. It is nutrient-dense and fast-growing, Moreover supports communities built around coasts.
Whether seaweed will be the future of farming or not, it is yet to be seen. The method may be old and sustainable but it is yet to be accepted and welcomed throughout the world. It is already one of the fastest growing sources of food.
It will have to face resistance from communities around the globe(as it is a new way to look at farming for many) and eventually pass with good grades. What we can say for sure at this point of time is that it definitely has scope, good potential and value addition. It entails all the qualities of a good resource.
FAQ
Is seaweed farming environmentally friendly?
Yes, Seaweed is the most sustainable form of agriculture on the planet.
Is seaweed easy to farm?
Seaweeds relatively simple to farm, they require no feed, they grow fast, they reduce eutrophication, they absorb carbon, they are simple to harvest, and the culture equipment is cheap and simple.
Is there growing seaweed profitable?
All one needs to start in the business is $20,000, 20 acres and a boat, and that investment in a single seaweed farm can net up to $90,000 to $120,000 per year.
Starting with something new has always been a fascinating idea. Especially when you are about to start something exclusively for you and your family then it comes with a layer of responsibility since you have to think widely about the positive outcome that they will be expecting from your venture.
Now, if you are looking to giving organic farming in India a kick start, then there are few things you might need to keep in the mind and at times make your family understand your ideas and convince them so you could accommodate their trust and support as a whole. But before you try and enlighten others, make sure you have enough knowledge with you so you don’t sound confused while answering their doubts.
Organic farming in India is a wide-spread strategy for yielding food crops and livestock that includes significantly more than picking the idea of not utilizing fertilizers, pesticides, genetically altered organisms, antibiotics, and growth hormones.
Organic Farming in India
Organic farming in India is a comprehensive framework intended to enhance the profitability and wellness of various networks inside the agro-environment, including soil organisms, plants, animals, and individuals. The chief objective of organic farming in India is to create ventures that are reasonable and sustainable for the environment.
Organic farming in India is an agrarian strategy that involves utilizing organic information sources and essentially diminishing the measure of synthetic substances. This method of farming also includes no usage of growth hormones in any way that it brings about decreased contamination and soil corruption.
In this way, the food we consume post-production becomes healthier and we get the absolute fresh and natural things to eat. Not to mention if you are diet conscious or a fitness freak then you must be an admirer of the all-natural way of producing food and consuming them.
Basics of Organic Farming
People often perceive things in a different way. What one person involved in organic farming in India believes is correct, trusts in, and practices probably won’t suit the prerequisites and objectives of another person who is also into organic farming in India. As a rule, quickly executing the informal advice can be counterproductive. Therefore, learning the basics of natural and organic farming in India is the initial phase. This certainly gives traces of what one may expect and where one ought to be beginning from. It is useful to infuse resources into pre-hand research.
Organic farming is growing
Additionally, it is also crucial to be attached to discussions with individuals who are presently doing the business. Partake in organic farming in India training projects and farmer-meet-up conferences. The experience of another farmer who already had gone through a similar phase can be extremely useful in making the exploratory process more polished.
The internet too has an enormous function as there is a huge playlist of instructional exercises, recordings, and online discussions about Organic farming in India. You might also get several books talking about organic farming in India as well. You can stay updated with the latest news related to the most recent patterns in organic farming in India, its advantages, and furthermore its significance with the assistance of OFAI (Organic Farming Association of India) — One of the biggest network of organic farmers in India.
Also, there is NPOF – the National Project on Organic Farming is, indeed, an extraordinary stage for all the organic farmers in Hyderabad to associate with a differing set of similar people container India.
Volume of your Venture
If you are undertaking organic farming for your weekend schedule, you could start in your backyard or terrace. Many of the working experts across the country have begun seeking organic farming in India as of their minor perspective with controlled agricultural techniques that are less labor-oriented.
However, in case you live in a gated community where this idea is shared among many like-minded individuals, a plot inside your locale can be distributed to make smaller than normal organic farms at a more prominent frequency. If you want to change your passion into a profession then you might need more prominent arrangements and a large-scale investment as well.
Selecting Site for Farming
The location of your venture plays an imperative part in any venture to be successful. The area of your organic farming in India typically decides how the endeavor will turn out. The organic farming site ought to be close to a clean water source: water is the most important asset for crop development and health.
In case, your water source is far away, it is significantly harder to deal with the irrigation measures. As an initiation, this might seem to be a monotonous thought to make but on the other hand, is essential for effective working on your farm.
The closeness of the organic farming area to the commercial center adds a major function in the manageability of the farm. The farm’s closeness to the market includes easy communication for selling. Likewise, this helps spare costs while shipping materials to the farm.
Soil is considered to be the foundation base of your farm. Starting from its appearance, well-being, and equalization everything is responsible for the production result. Therefore, it essentially becomes important to get when and how to develop your soil and make the most ideal condition for your harvests to endure and flourish.
Soil is essential- Organic farming in India
Things to Consider
Here are some things you need to consider before starting your farm.
1. Cultivation Time
Not everything will grow every time you put them under the soil and expect them to yield. So need to have a track of time and know which time is suitable for what step you will take.
Spring (February to April) – Best suitable for preparing the soil for new plantation.
Fall(October to November) – Suitable for the purpose of covering and layering the organic matter from your farm on the top-soil.
2. Analyse Your Soil
Clay or dense soil – Retains a lot of water and is preferable season is the fall, for utilizing the moisture-rich soil effectively.
Loose or sandy soil – Lower in water retention and is advisable to cultivate during the spring to add the suitable moisture-retention and to create a good ecosystem for your farm.
3. Types Of Crops
Deep-rooted crops – Drought resistance as the roots are capable of drawing a high amount of water from within. For instance, tomatoes, pulses, melons, and coarse cereals fall under this.
Shallow Rooted Crops – Higher dependency of water supply and requires continuous hydration. Monsoon is the best season for these crops. For instance, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, and mustard are the perfect ones.
4. Organic Manure
Green Manure – Green fertilizer helps in fostering a superior soil structure and the richness of the soil. They provide organic matter, an extra measure of Nitrogen, particularly if you are going for vegetable cultivation.
Compost – New deposits from the farm and household residues can be accumulated, saturated, and turn to get aerated at times and deteriorate steadily by reducing the Carbon: Nitrogen proportion.
The way toward growing a crop is very time-consuming. Organic farming in India requires some serious devotion and more consideration contrasted with regular cultivating. There are sure procedures that should be considered relying upon the plant and farm condition.
Understanding the Market
Marketing for any startup is a pivotal process to grow. Even in farming, it is imperative to know what sort of market you will need. to provide a good increase. Some horticultural items may not make a good sell in a specific sort of market. This thought is useful in making your venture sustainable.
The growth of organic food sale
While the consequences of organic farming may appear to be alluring, the way toward setting up and keeping up the farm is an extremely hard one. It takes difficult work, tolerance, perseverance, and a high level of confidence. If you need assistance, refer to InAcres — a team of devoted individuals with a goal to promote and produce integrated organic farming in India and there is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) — another team that fosters the pursuit of involving eco-friendly ecosystems all around the country.
There is a huge downside because of the extra land that is being used to grow organic crops,” said Stefan Wirsenius, an associate professor at Chalmers. “If we use more land for food, we have less land for carbon sequestration. The total greenhouse gas impact from organic farming is higher than conventional farming.”
What is organic farming and its benefits?
Compared with conventional agriculture, organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes back into the farm. These benefits are counterbalanced by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields.
Is Organic Farming Profitable in India?
According to International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD), India has more than 15,000 certified organic farms. Organic farms are generally more profitable and environmentally friendly, as it uses fewer chemicals and the residue is comparatively less chemical-intensive.
How can I start organic farming in India?
Things You Need to Know When Starting an Organic Farm
Learn the basics of organic farming.
The site is key.
Match the land with what it is best for.
Know your market.
Prepare the soil and make good compost.
Take care of what you plant.
Seek a mentor and network with people.
Seek a mentor and network with people.
Why Organic farming is expensive?
Organic foods are difficult to grow as they need high involvement and more time to grow. Moreover, lower yields of such crops and poor supply (still developing) chain further increases the production cost.
What are disadvantages of organic farming?
Disadvantages of organic farming
Organic food is more expensive because farmers do not get as much out of their land as conventional farmers do.
Production costs are higher because farmers need more workers.
Marketing and distribution are not efficient because organic food is produced in smaller amounts.
Is organic farming difficult?
Some areas are natively organic, but others that are large producers of pulses etc., have been farming with chemicals. Converting these into organic has many challenges, however, from a broader perspective, these challenges can be met with proper counter-measures and government policies.
Conclusion
Farming these days is done by putting people’s lives at risk with harmful pesticides and fertilizers. The main problem is the population growth in India. As the population increases, the demand and supply for foods are also increased. To cater to the needs, food production is done by using chemical fertilizers, toxic pesticides, and hybrids. Due to the excess use of chemicals, human health and nature are being adversely affected. To solve this issue, Organic Farming is the best possible solution to protect ourselves and nature from deadly chemicals.
Organic farming is a traditional way of farming that has been followed for ages. In India, organic farming is an agricultural method that is aimed to grow crops so as to keep the soil alive. It is done by following good practices using organic waste, waste crops, animal and farm waste, aquatic waste, and other organic materials.
Thinking only of farming and cultivation every mind pictures flat expanses of open land pulsating with life, the fresh harvest of rice, wheat, paddy or vegetables. The canopy of branches with birds fluttering from one bough to the other on a sunny morning, away from cities’ smoke, completes the idea of the idyllic environment. But urban farming is quite different.
Farm spaces can be set up in an open space like a cubicle-sized room fitted with a tech support system that creates an artificial environment favourable for growth. These hi-tech, advanced model of sustainable farms, operate on the science of hydroponic farming, a soil-free farming technique.
What is Hydroponic System?
Hydroponic Farming System is a system of growing crops without soil, often called soilless farming. In the hydroponic system, the liquid nutrient solution is a mixture made up of essential plant nutrients.
The plant roots are suspended either in the static liquid solution or in a continuously flowing mixture. Unlike the traditional farming system, the hydroponic growing system requires continuous and undivided attention to the crops.
In hydroponic farming, plants grow naturally with minimal effort, drawing nutrients out of reservoirs filled with nutrients and water-rich solutions, under optimal positioning of lights and adjusted temperature conditions.
While the technique was a big hit in the other countries, where people initially used hydroponics and its farming variants to grow marijuana, it did not take too long to get the attention of scientists, entrepreneurs and practitioners of agriculture sector around the world.
The growing system for each type of crop can be different so as the hydroponic system. Before choosing the hydroponic system, it is important to know about the basics of that system which will help in making the decision. Here are some of the types of hydroponic systems.
Types of Hydroponic Farming System
Aeroponic System
Aeroponic System is a type of Hydroponic farming in which it drastically reduces the amount of water used in growing crops.
In this system, roots get their nutrients and water through the aerosol mist sprayed on them. The roots get oxygen from the air and this system is comparatively challenging to manage but much more economical in the use of nutrients and water.
Standing Aerated Nutrient Solution
This system is also known as DWC (Deep Water Culture) system. This is the system in which the nutrient solution is static, suspending the plant roots in the nutrient solution.
Replacement of nutrient solution is required 5-10 days (frequency depends on the number of plants and the volume). A crop of lettuce can be grown in this system on Styrofoam sheets floating on an aerated nutrient solution.
Dutch Bucket Grow System
As the name suggests, this system uses buckets to grow plants. The buckets in the system can vary in size, depending on the requirement of the person. The plants which have much larger roots are grown with the help of Dutch Bucket systems like tomato and cucumber.
Nutrient Film Technique
NFT, channels are used in this hydroponic system to grow plants, the nutrient solution keeps flowing in these gully channels. A pump connected to the reservoir pumps the nutrient solution to the channels.
One of the benefits of the NFT is the easy installation of the system and the relatively low cost of the materials. Also, there are two different types of NFT system which includes Horizontal and Vertical NFT System.
Indoor farming in a climate-controlled environment means farms exist in spaces where weather, as well as soil conditions, are unfavourable for a traditional food production system.
In this system, no chemical weed or pest control products are needed.
No wastage and chances of higher productivity than the traditional farming system.
Water is utilization very high when compared to the traditional farming method, up to 80-90% higher.
This system eliminates the attack of pests and insects as crops are grown in closed spaces and it provides up to 90% efficient use of water.
Production increases 3-10 times in the same amount of space.
Hydroponic Farming setup in India
Elements needed in Hydroponic Farming
There are several approaches to design hydroponic systems, but there are also necessary core elements.
Rich Nutrients
The plant needs plenty of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and other rich nutrients to stay healthy and productive just like plants growing in the ground need soil and fertilizer. When plants are growing without soil, this plant food must be included in the water that’s feeding the plants. While one can make a nutrient solution, it’s easy to buy mixtures online or in stores.
Freshwater
Primo, filtered stuff with a balanced pH is required. Most of the plants like water with a pH level of 6–6.5. The acidity of the water can be adjusted with efficient solutions found at the local hardware, garden, or hydroponic store.
Light
If the plants are growing indoors, one has to invest in some special lighting. Each type of plant will have a different requirement or need for the amount of light and the placement of lights.
Oxygen
In traditional farming, roots get the oxygen from pockets of air in the soil. Depending on the hydroponic setup, you will either have to leave space between the base of the plant and the water reservoir or need to oxygenate the container, which you can solve by buying an air stone or installing an air pump.
Root Support
Even though this system doesn’t need soil, the plant’s roots still need something to hold on to. The typical materials include vermiculite, perlite, peat moss and coconut fibre. One has to maintain distance from materials that might compact (like sand) or that don’t retain any moisture (like gravel).
The Final Note
With a hydroponic system, one knows the conditions of plants that are being grown in. One has to only find the working formula of light, pH balance, and nutrients, you can replicate success without always getting hit with curveballs.
Jeenal Jain
