What is microgreens farming?, how to start?, how to select place?, equipment's/things/staff/material and cost for all, license or permit, marketing areas and ideas, packaging if required, overall investment, profit, risk.
What Are Microgreens?
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| What Are Microgreens? |
Microgreens are young edible plants harvested when their
first true leaves appear. Popular varieties include broccoli microgreens,
radish microgreens, sunflower shoots, mustard greens, and basil microgreens.
Unlike sprouts, they are grown in soil or cocopeat and require light and
ventilation. They are widely used in salads, juices, smoothies, sandwiches, and
as garnishes in fine dining restaurants.
How to Start Microgreens Farming?
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| How to Start Microgreens Farming |
- Choose
high-quality seeds of fast-growing varieties.
- Prepare
shallow trays with cocopeat, soil, or hydroponic mats.
- Sow
seeds evenly and spray with water.
- Cover
the tray until germination begins.
- Provide
natural sunlight or LED grow lights for healthy growth.
- Harvest
microgreens in 7–21 days, depending on the crop.
- Package
them in eco-friendly containers and deliver to customers.
Choosing the Right Place?
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| Choosing the Right Place |
Microgreens can be grown in small spaces — even in
balconies, rooftops, or spare rooms at home. For commercial production, set up
a clean, ventilated area with access to water and electricity. If you’re
targeting city restaurants and organic stores, it’s best to locate your
microgreens farm close to urban centers to reduce delivery time and maintain
freshness.
Equipment, Materials, and Cost
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| Equipment, Materials, and Cost |
- Trays
& Racks – ₹5,000–₹20,000
- Cocopeat
or Soil Mix – ₹2,000–₹10,000 per month
- Seeds
(broccoli, radish, mustard, sunflower, basil) – ₹5,000–₹15,000 monthly
- Water
Sprayers & Pipes – ₹1,000–₹2,000
- LED
Grow Lights (if indoors) – ₹10,000–₹50,000
- Packaging
(biodegradable boxes, clamshell containers) – ₹3,000–₹10,000
- Staff
(1–2 persons if scaling up) – ₹10,000–₹20,000 per person
A small unit can be started from just ₹20,000–₹50,000,
while a commercial setup may need ₹1–2 lakh.
Licenses and Permits Required
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| Licenses and Permits Required |
- FSSAI
License – mandatory for selling edible products.
- GST Registration – for wholesale or retail sales.
- Local
Business Registration – Shop Act license or MSME Udyam registration.
Marketing Areas and Ideas
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| Marketing Areas and Ideas |
- Supply
directly to restaurants, hotels, cafes, and juice bars.
- Partner
with organic food stores and supermarkets.
- Launch
microgreens subscription boxes for households.
- Offer
online microgreens delivery services in your city.
- Promote
your brand on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp by showcasing
freshness, health benefits, and recipes.
- Collaborate
with fitness trainers, nutritionists, and dieticians who recommend
nutrient-rich foods.
Packaging Microgreens for Sale
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| Packaging Microgreens for Sale |
Since microgreens are delicate and have a short shelf life
(2–3 days), packaging is crucial. Use eco-friendly clamshell boxes, paper
pouches, or transparent containers with labels that mention harvest date,
variety, and nutritional value. Good packaging increases shelf appeal and
builds customer trust.
Investment and Profit
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| Investment and Profit |
- Initial
Investment: ₹20,000–₹2,00,000 depending on scale.
- Selling
Price: ₹500–₹1,000 per kg (variety-based).
- Monthly
Income: Small-scale farms can earn ₹40,000–₹1,00,000.
- Profit
Margin: 40–60% due to fast harvest cycles and high demand.
Risks in Microgreens Farming
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| Risks in Microgreens Farming |
- Short
Shelf Life – they must be sold quickly after harvest.
- Market
Dependence – demand is stronger in urban areas and restaurants.
- Crop Failure – improper watering, mold, or poor hygiene can destroy crops.
- Competition – increasing number of small growers entering the market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Microgreens Farming
1. What are microgreens and why are they so popular?
Microgreens are young edible plants harvested 7–21 days after germination. They are packed with nutrients, vibrant flavors, and are widely used in salads, juices, and gourmet dishes. The popularity of microgreens farming has grown because they are healthy, easy to grow, and profitable for small-scale farmers.
2. How do I start a microgreens business from home?
To start a microgreens business from home, you need trays, quality seeds, cocopeat or soil, and a small space with light and ventilation. Sow the seeds, water them, and harvest in 7–21 days. With minimal investment, you can begin selling microgreens to local households, restaurants, and organic stores.
3. How much investment is required for microgreens farming in India?
A small home-based setup can be started with just ₹20,000–₹50,000, while a medium-scale farm may require ₹1–2 lakh. Most of the cost goes into trays, racks, seeds, growing medium, and packaging material.
4. Is microgreens farming profitable?
Yes, microgreens farming is highly profitable. Microgreens sell at ₹500–₹1,000 per kg, and even a small setup can generate ₹40,000–₹1,00,000 per month. With short harvest cycles and low input costs, farmers enjoy a 40–60% profit margin.
5. What are the best microgreens to grow for sale?
Some of the most profitable and fast-growing microgreens include broccoli, radish, sunflower, mustard, pea shoots, and basil. These varieties have high demand in restaurants, cafes, and health food stores.
6. Do I need a license to sell microgreens in India?
Yes, an FSSAI license is mandatory to sell microgreens as they are food products. Additionally, you may need a local shop act registration and GST if you plan to sell on a larger scale.
7. How long do microgreens last after harvest?
Microgreens have a short shelf life of 2–3 days if stored at room temperature. When refrigerated properly in airtight, eco-friendly packaging, they can last up to a week while retaining freshness.
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