Women in agribusiness: success stories and opportunities

Leave a Comment / Her Story, Business / Bishnu Priya Gouda

The concept of independent women or working women is not new. I have seen my grandmothers working in the fields, farming, and no one questioned them. Women in agriculture or agribusiness is not a new concept. However, the fact is that women in agriculture have often faced family financial instability in the farming community. Nevertheless, women nowadays are proving them wrong, making it a norm, and we have the proof with us.

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Success Stories and Opportunities

Some great examples of women’s empowerment in the agriculture field:

Nethra’s Story of Vaaradhi Farm

Nethra Reddy, the founder of Vaaradhi Farms, is an entrepreneur with a passion for organic farming and a sustainable lifestyle. Nethra, an agripreneur from Andhra Pradesh, is currently on the journey of building an organic and sustainable brand. She brings the goodness of nature to your table.

She has a lot of products — from raw organic vegetables to ghee pickles, raw natural honey, lip balms, etc., all organic and natural.

Nethra presents how agriculture can be a great and profitable career option for the young generation.

Binita Kumari’s Story of Mushroom Farming

Binita Kumari is a woman entrepreneur who does mushroom farming. She is from an underprivileged family in Bihar. But Binita’s dedication and hard work helped her to excel in farming. She learned mushroom farming from KVK (Krishi Vikas Kendra). She started her journey by procuring mushroom spawn from KVK Banka and completed her first 25 bags.

Binita is not only a successful mushroom farmer but also a great marketer. Her story inspired many women from her village as well as nearby villages. The Government of India helps women farmers in establishing their own businesses.

Remabhai’s Story of Soilless Dragon Fruit Farming

Agriculture is not always about money; sometimes it also works as mental therapy for a lifestyle that is not lazy but active. This is shown by a farmer from Kerala, Ramadevi, a retired zoology teacher. Where people say retirement is the end of your career and you spend time resting, for Ramadevi, retirement is not the end of her career, but the beginning of a new one.

Ramadevi is from Kerala. She started her journey of dragon fruit farming due to its benefits for the heart and eyes. She started farming on her terrace.

She chose to grow dragon fruit on her terrace and decided to do soilless farming. Though it came with a lot of difficulties, trial and error, and experimentation, she was able to grow them successfully. Her tricks worked like magic, and now she earns a good amount of money from dragon fruit farming post-retirement.

Sharmila’s Story of Drones in Agri-Tech

Under the government’s Drone Didi initiative, Sharmila Yadav, a farmer from Haryana, got herself enrolled in Drone Destination and the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited.

She spent almost 5 weeks studying drones, both theory and practical. She was able to spray fertilizers over agricultural lands and earned a good income by using drones. This is not only the story of Sharmila but also of many other women registered under the Didi scheme.

This is where tech meets agriculture — and, most importantly, small farmers are able to earn from this kind of technology. Women from Varanasi, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, and all over India are now part of this movement.

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Conclusion

All the stories above show different kinds of opportunities women have in agribusiness.

Opportunity by value addition to your produce and building a brand — like the way Nethra has done with Vaaradhi Farms. This is not just a farm but an initiative towards an organic and sustainable lifestyle.

Binita’s mushroom farming shows us that mushroom farming is profitable and a great opportunity for women farmers. She shows us that it doesn’t matter where you are from; if you have passion and are ready to work hard, you can achieve a fruitful life.

Remabhai shows us that retirement is not the end of your career but the beginning of a new journey, and age is just a number.

Drone Didis showed us that technology is not only for the privileged ones. Technology can be learned and used at any phase of your life; what you need is curiosity and willingness.

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Value addition in agriculture: turning raw produce into profit

Leave a Comment / Business / Bishnu Priya Gouda

Value addition in agriculture means producing the raw produce’s potential by turning it into ready-to-use products. This significantly reduces the burden on customers of handling raw materials themselves. Here, the value of the raw produce also increases, which results in higher retail prices and more profits. And how to convert the raw material into ready-to-use products. This can be done by processing, branding, packaging and marketing. Few such examples are- tomatoes to tomato ketchup, fruits to fruit juices. This process not only increases the value economically but also increases the nutritional value of the product. Let’s see some techniques by which we can increase the value of agricultural produce.

Techniques of value addition in agriculture (with examples)

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Following trend

People nowadays are very much interested in organic, gluten-free, vegan products, turmeric shots, herbal supplements, etc.

Turmeric ginger shots (morning shots)

Instead of selling raw turmeric as a farmer, you can add ginger, turmeric, water, etc., to make a healthy soup; these are good for gut health as well as overall health. These are mainly consumed in the morning. This type of product is in demand due to its trend among people; before, if you had sold it, the value wouldn’t have been much, or the demand would have been less.

But due to these kinds of trends, which are healthy and helpful for people. And as a farmer, you will generate a good amount of revenue.

Vegan products

Similarly, people are popularising vegan eating, which is in our tradition if Jains and Brahmins in India. People are understanding the cruelty of the livestock industry and moving to vegan products.

And surprisingly, vegan products are highly priced, as compared to other sources.

This is because now your normal product has a category and a brand label of vegan, the value has increased because of people’s demand.

Processing

Processing involves making the product consumable and convenient to use. There are many ways you can process the raw material. Some examples are pickles, juices, ketchups (tomato ketchups), dehydrating (chili are dried to make powder), potatoes to chips, jams.

This process of processing raw material not only makes it convenient to use but also increases the shelf life and taste of the food. This is a really popular technique for increasing the value of the raw materials.

Packaging and Branding

Packaging helps in maintaining the quality of the product, also the branding done in the packaging helps to influence the decision-making, as well as the consumer might unconsciously memorise the packaging. This is because branding helps in distinguishing your product from the rest of the competition.

Examples- any tea packet that is green reminds you of green tea, a yellow packet is of Maggi. Packaged Basmati rice is better than unpacked rice.

Quality control

As a brand or an agriculture company, you have used all the techniques to improve the product’s value. But here’s what lies maintenance of the brand image which you have created. You need to have a strict recipe for pickles, ketchups, jams, etc. This will help you in having a standard taste across the product line. This will provide more legitimacy, trust for the consumer of the product

Grading and sorting

This involves categorising the products according to their quantity, size, variety/ type, and appearance. This will provide consumers with a variety of options to choose from, hence broadening the consumer segment.

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Conclusion

These techniques will not only help farmers in increasing the value of the products but also manage waste properly, as excess raw materials can be processed, and processed food has a higher shelf life as compared to raw materials. Such as fruits, vegetables can be processed into jams, ketchups, sauces, and pickles, which have a higher shelf life.

But here’s the take for all these, you need a proper processing unit and manpower. You need to have proper strategies, resources for all these. The government does provide support in the form of subsidies and financial help to agropreneurs and small farmers.

Contract Farming: Opportunity or Risk for Small Farmers

Leave a Comment / Business, Farming / Bishnu Priya Gouda

Contract farming is a contract between the farmer and the client or big firms, etc. These big firms demand a certain crop, quantity of crop, and quality, which is fulfilled by the farmers. In return, companies agree to buy the product. Companies get a source of raw material; farmers get a buyer without the stress of finding a market to sell the produce.

The farmer (producer) and company (the buyer) sign a bond or agreement which states all the important terms and conditions. In this type of farming, small farmers do participate. In this article, we will understand all the opportunities and risks for a small-scale farmer in contract farming.

Opportunities for Small Farmers

One of the key factors for every successful business is calculative decision-making, expertise in the sector. In order to get expertise, you need to understand the opportunities we can have as a farmer in contract farming.

Risk-Free Pricing for Produce

Before manufacturing, you need to think of the demand for the product as well as find the market for the goods. But in contract farming, you will already have a predetermined quality, quantity, price as well as buyer of the good before you start planting. This helps the farmer eliminate most of the stress.
The price, quality, and quantity are decided as per the need of the firm or buyer.

Hence, if as a farmer you have cultivated the right type of produce—that is, the product meets the quality standards which were predetermined—then you will gain a lot of profit and the risk of uncertain market prices will be avoided.

Training and Support

Companies do tend to give different kinds of support to the farmers, such as they provide farmers with training and inputs for efficient farming. They are given detailed training on using modern methodologies and farming techniques, pest control, etc.

Lack of Financial Risk

In contract farming, some companies also offer advance payments, as this assures the farmer that they are in the right place. Also, financial help for all the pre-harvest expenses. Some companies may provide credit support to the farmer. Due to this financial help, the farm debts are reduced as there’s no need for them to take loans from banks or moneylenders.

Quality Produce

Companies usually have certain metrics for the quality of crops. The farmers need to meet that quality, which will be set while signing the agreement or contract. This helps the farmer to produce premium quality produce. This also has high value in the local market if left out, thus opening new sources of income besides contract farming.

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Risks for Small Farmers

Now we will be looking into the other side of the coin—these are the risks of contract farming which a small farmer may face. These risks can be dealt with or avoided by the right knowledge and calculative steps.

Legal Problems

Usually, the small farmers are illiterate or less educated, and while signing a contract, they sign it with just understanding the basic stuff. It’s difficult for them to go in depth and understand each and every point, as contracts are complex with many hidden agreements which usually go unnoticed by the farmer.

Single Buyer Mindset

Once they get the hang of contract farming, there’s a high tendency that the farmer will depend only on the company to purchase. He/she won’t have another source of income except the buyer. Sometimes companies may back off or also delay purchase; this will affect the livelihood of the small farmer.

So, farmers need to have different sources of income and also need to have a backup plan or any other market where they can sell their produce.

Farmer Exploitation

Companies are more powerful or influential due to which they are dominant, and the contract usually leans towards them, due to which they get unfair advantages. This increases the risk of exploitation in the farmer’s case. Here, it is difficult for the farmers to negotiate. The companies have higher negotiating power than the small farmers, which could lead to exploitation.

There aren’t many government rules and regulations to prevent exploitation of the farmers. If the contract goes wrong and the company takes any legal action against the farmers, then it will be difficult for the farmers to come out of the problem due to lack of resources—monetary as well as knowledge.

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Conclusion

First of all, we understand that contract farming has its benefits as well as risks, but in order to tackle the risks, you need to take calculative decisions and do proper research. For this, you need to connect with farmers who are doing contract farming for years. Understanding the problems they faced and how they tackled them will help you to gain experience as well as knowledge, and you can implement those steps and rules in the agreement.

Agri Export Business from India: Crops, Regulations and Global Demand

Leave a Comment / Business / Bishnu Priya Gouda

Export businesses are highly profitable nowadays, especially in the agricultural sector, as India boasts a wide diversity of agricultural products due to its diverse geographical conditions.
So, here’s a basic guide for those who want to start an agricultural export business.

Crops for Export from India and Their Demand

There is a wide variety of crops in India that are in high demand in foreign countries. Hence, as an exporter in the agricultural sector, you will have a variety of options for export.
But one thing to keep in mind is that you should choose a crop in which you have expertise; even if you don’t, then gain knowledge and expertise on the crop.

Cereals and Grains

Rice has different varieties, and the demand for each variety varies from country to country. India is the world’s largest exporter of Basmati rice; they are sold at higher prices as compared to other varieties of rice.
Wheat – countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and UAE are the main importers of wheat from India.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits like mango, banana, grapes, pomegranate etc. are exported from India, and they are in high demand from countries like the USA, UK, Netherlands, Russia, UAE etc.
Vegetables like onions, potatoes, okra, tomatoes, and moringa are a few examples of vegetables that are highly popular in countries like Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, Maldives, UAE etc.

One thing you need to keep in mind while exporting these goods is that all these products are perishable, which makes them difficult to transport. You need cold storage, which is expensive, and the export window of perishable goods is really narrow.
Also, there are certain standards and quality checks for these goods according to different countries, so you need to keep exporting accordingly.

Pulses, Legumes and Spices

Pulses and legumes like chickpeas, green gram, and black gram are highly popular among countries like Nepal, UAE, Sri Lanka, Algeria etc. These are gaining popularity, and these goods are easy to export as they don’t need extra care for handling as compared to perishable goods. But again, you need quality assurance and checkup.

Spices like turmeric, cumin, chili (Guntur chili), cardamom, and black pepper are again some popular examples that are in demand in countries like the USA, China, Vietnam, Germany, UK, UAE etc.
They are easy to transport and have been popular among countries, and the market is huge.

Oilseeds and Nuts

Seeds like groundnuts, sesame seeds, cashew nuts etc. are in demand in countries like Europe, the USA, Japan, and Korea. They can be sold as oil or nuts in general, according to the demand.

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Rules and Regulations for Export Businesses in India

Basic Requirements

Some of the basic registrations that are mandatory are:

Import-Export Code (IEC)

It is mandatory as it is needed for any import/export activity, and it is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

APEDA Registration

Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority (APEDA) registration is mandatory for exporting any agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products etc. Under this, you will also get access to export promotion schemes, subsidies etc.
Prior to that, you need to have your own company registered with the government and also a digital presence, as this will help you to gain the trust of buyers.

Quality Safety Registrations

FSSAI License

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) – This license is necessary if you want to sell processed or packaged food, as this license ensures that your food’s quality is approved by FSSAI, thus guaranteeing that your food is under safety standards.

Phytosanitary Certificate (PSC)

The Plant Quarantine Department issues this certificate, ensuring that your product is pest and disease-free. It is especially required for fresh fruits, vegetables, grains etc.

Certificate of Origin

This certification ensures that your goods or products originate in India for preferential tariff benefits. Issued by export promotion councils and chambers of commerce.
This is necessary as without this, export and import business isn’t possible, as it will be difficult to gain buyers’ trust.

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Conclusion and a Few Tips

Above are all the necessary details that will help you to kick-start your export business.
You need to have good knowledge of products and necessary details of the product which you want to sell. Usually, choose this product according to the market demand.

Connect with the buyers through LinkedIn or through the Indian embassy in your targeted country.
You will get help and support from the Government of India, but make sure to take precise and calculated steps while doing any business.

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Organic Farming Business Model: From Production to Profitable Marketing

Leave a Comment / Farming, Business, Organic Farming / Bishnu Priya Gouda

Organic farming is one of the traditional ways of farming, but it is difficult to maintain efficiency in this type of farming. So, people weren’t much involved in organic farming. But now that people are a lot more conscious than before, organic farming has been back in trend for the past few years.
So, here is a guide for you to start your own organic farm from research work to selling

Understanding the market

Before starting any business, you need to first gain knowledge of the competitors, the product you are dealing with, consumers, demand, competitors, location, finances, expenses, pricing costs, and partners, etc.
All the different types of selections are mentioned in no order; you can do any of the following steps at any time in your market research process.

Land selection

Before buying farmland and anonymously starting farming, you need to find a perfect location that will have to meet a few criteria.
Firstly, access to the market
Away from an industrial area
Access to resources such as water and electricity
Quality of soil
Transportation facilities
Storage facilities
This was the land selection part.

Targeted consumer segment

You need to decide on your business model, whether it is B2B or D2C. You need to find your ideal consumer type. Once you have defined your consumer segment, you need to figure out where your consumers reside and how to reach them, through social media as well as through event campaigns.

Crop selection

Now, once you have identified the market and understood your consumers, you need to find the ideal crop with a margin. Keep in mind that organic farming is difficult to manage as compared to modern ways of farming.
There are a lot of losses in organic farming, so you need to choose the business model and crop wisely.
Of course, you can experiment with different types of crops and make your own standard way of farming. But for that, you need to have a very good knowledge of farming. Without the expertise, you will face problems.

Competitor analysis

Identify the competitors of the market you are going to enter. Identify your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, and how you can use that as your plus point.
What strategies do your competitors use, in which market they are competing, and how can you create your own place in this competitive market?
These were a few questions you should be answering while competitor analysis.

Find the market

Find the marketplace where you are going to sell your produce. That means vendors, whether you are going to sell your produce to any local vendors or you can export out of the country.
You need to find vendors accordingly, according to the quantity, quality, location, and margin of your produce.

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Certification

If you are new to farming, then you need to attend workshops and gain certifications from recognized bodies like NPOP, APEDA, etc.
You need to follow the necessary process, adhering to organic standards.
Actually, organic farming is difficult; it is not a cup of tea for every farmer, but it is also not impossible.

Financial management

Now you have done everything—selected the crop, understood the market, demand, vendors, gained certifications, etc.
Now comes one of the important parts, which is financing.
Now make a list of all the necessary initial costs and divide it into three parts: fixed cost, variable cost, and recurring cost. Fixed costs include machinery, tools, etc.; recurring costs include electricity, seeds, marketing costs, etc.—basically making a list of expenses.
Now you will get an idea of the amount you need to start the business and the time period.
Now you need to select from where you can source the investment—personal investment, government subsidies, loans, etc.

Farming

This is where all your knowledge and hard work apply. Seedling phase, planting your crop, taking care of regular checkups, etc., using vermicompost, natural manure and fertilizers, and natural pest management. Irrigate when needed.
You need to keep a record of everything—inputs used, crop schedule, labor details, irrigation details, harvest data, costs, etc.
You need to find a method of storage if it is perishable goods that are difficult to store (cold storage, which can be expensive).
This will help you in future farming purposes, trying out different methods and experimenting and identifying the ideal method.

Marketing and sales

With all the production and crops produced, you need to sell your produce. To vendors or directly to consumers—for this part of the process, you need proper branding and a marketing person is advised. Hire a social media or marketing manager, or you can be on your own.
Find different channels of sales, such as through online market, e-commerce, Blinkit, Big Basket, or your own site. Through mandis, local organic shops, to businesses such as restaurants, cafes, etc., you can also export to other countries according to the demand of the market.

Conclusion

This is a full set-to-set process of setting up the organic business model. This process is a standardized one that may vary according to the location, market, and region. Feel free to add your touch. But keep in mind that organic farming does have a high demand and popularity, but it is also difficult to do effective organic farming. With proper expertise in farming and business, you can do it.

Profitable Agri Business Ideas for 2025: Low Investment, High Returns

Leave a Comment / Business / Bishnu Priya Gouda

Agriculture is a sector that will never go out of trend, irrespective of any new technology or AI. However, traditional agriculture techniques are not at all profitable; they were sustainable in the past, but nowadays, with high demand, people need to focus on efficiency and integrate new farming technologies and techniques.
Here are a few of my recommendations for agri-business ideas:

Vertical farming

As the name suggests, crops are grown vertically, stacked in layers. They are mainly grown indoors in a controlled environment, using hydroponics and aquaponics techniques. People usually grow exotic plants in this type of setting, mainly leafy green vegetables.
As exotic vegetables are in low supply and high demand, these vegetables are more expensive compared to others in the market, making this type of business profitable.
Although the initial investment is significant, the returns are high. This results in a high ROI (return on investment), as the returns outweigh the investment.

Agri tourism

Agri tourism is a growing business, as people are increasingly becoming interested in rural lifestyles, farming, and organic food. This trend is driving tourism to rural villages in India.
Seizing the opportunity, farmers are opening their farms to the public and turning them into tourist spots.
People stay at the farms and experience farming and rural lifestyles.
Your streams of revenue will include accommodation and food expenses. Additionally, as your brand or farm gains more exposure, you’ll be able to sell your farm produce directly to customers.
This type of business requires relatively low investment if you already have a farm—you just need to set up accommodation and food facilities for the tourists.

Mushroom Farming

Mushrooms are harvested every 3-4 weeks and are in demand all year round. Mushrooms don’t need sunlight and can be grown indoors. Investment in mushroom farming is low, but the returns are high due to their consistent demand in hotels and households, as they are healthy.
You can grow mushrooms on a small or large scale.
With proper techniques and knowledge, mushrooms are highly profitable.
You will get higher returns because once the mushrooms are successfully grown, there are many vendors willing to purchase them, given their consistent high demand.

Organic Farming

The COVID-19 wave showed people the importance of immunity, and to achieve good immunity, one needs a healthy lifestyle. People are now more health-conscious and mindful of what they consume. Eating organic is one of their key goals as it helps them avoid harmful chemicals commonly used in conventional farming.
Now we know that the demand for organic and healthy food is high, and people are willing to pay extra for organic vegetables.
Investment in organic farming is very low, as no chemical inputs are used—everything is naturally sourced, such as cow dung and natural manure and fertilizers.
Although organic farming is difficult and requires good knowledge and experience in trying new natural techniques, once you master it, it provides high returns with low investment and great ROI.

Livestock Rearing

Livestock farming is a highly profitable business in 2025. It involves raising animals for various purposes such as meat, wool, milk, and labor.
This type of farming is profitable with medium to low investment compared to the profit you can earn.
Cows can be used for milk, and products like ghee, butter, and curd. Proper care is necessary, including good maintenance during breeding phases and regular checkups.
Poultry farming—raising chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc.—is also profitable for their eggs and meat, which are highly nutritious.
The main investments involve food, shelter, and health checkups for the animals.

Fish Farming (Aquaculture)

Raising fish in natural or artificial ponds or tanks is called aquaculture or fish farming. These fish are raised for meat and can be a very good source of income.
Investment goes into building ponds, purchasing eggs or fish for breeding, their food, water quality (in artificial ponds), and equipment.
Fish farming is easier compared to other types of livestock farming, as fish do not require as much maintenance.

Nursery Business

People’s love for plants has made this business profitable. In the nursery business, you need to have very good knowledge of plants and produce high-quality ones.
You need to maintain a wide variety of plants and take regular care of them. Propagation is key to growing the nursery, and to do this effectively, you must be an expert in the field.
The nursery business requires low investment—mostly in labor, manure, fertilizers, and pesticides.
There are few additional expenses beyond these. However, expertise in growing plants is essential.
There is high profit due to the growing popularity and demand for plants. Your customer base includes gardening enthusiasts, landscapers, and agricultural producers.

Conclusion

The above are some of the profitable businesses—it’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more such business ideas.
Agriculture is a field that will never go out of trend, and as a result, it offers endless opportunities.
The only key to excelling in agribusiness is having expertise in a particular field, along with a good amount of time, patience, and hard work.

Top 10 Agriculture Schemes in India

Leave a Comment / Schemes / Bishnu Priya Gouda

1.Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM- KISAN)

This scheme is for farmers with marginal income, it helps in giving financial assistance to the farmers to support their livelihood and also to procure any sort of necessary agricultural inputs.

Its main objective is to reduce dependency on informal loans from moneylenders. Also, to provide financial benefits to the small-scale farmers.

Benefits

Guaranteed annual income of Rs 6000 per year, farmers will get a direct benefit transfer, which helps in avoiding any leakages and middlemen. The amount will be paid in instalments, 3 times a year. With the help of this scheme, farmers are encouraged to do farming and avoid informal loans from moneylenders, hence helping in avoiding unnecessary loans and most of the necessities are covered by this scheme for marginalised and small-scale farmers.

Eligibility

This scheme is for every farmer in India who owns cultivable land, they need to present the documents of the land while registering, which will ensure that every family gets the benefits.

Excepts- any government employee, professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc, any current or former constitutional post holders, elected members of parliament, assembled.

How to avail of the scheme

1- You can apply to this scheme by visiting the nearest common service centre or the state agriculture office.

2- can directly apply through this portal: https://pmkisan.gov.in/

2. Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) – PMKSY

With the tag line of “More crop per drop”, the Micro irrigation funds scheme was launched in the year 2018, operational under the “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yogana”. Its main goal is to promote efficient water usage in agriculture and tackle water scarcity challenges in various villages in India.

Objective

The main objective of this scheme is to promote micro irrigation technologies, as in this world of climate change, and increasing demand for agricultural produce, we need agriculture and also a lots of water supply which isn’t readily available for some areas, hence inorder to tackle water scarcity, there are new technologies but adapting to it takes time for the farmers, thus government has introduced this scheme so that farmers can adapt to new technologies.

It provides low-interest loans to the states for micro-irrigation projects.
Funds allocated are Rs. 5,000 crore
This is part of the PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, managed by the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Benefits

Helps farmers to adapt to newer technologies in water irrigation systems, reducing water use by 30%-50%. As there’s no unnecessary wastage of water, hence an increase in efficiency, conserves water and minimises fertiliser/ pesticide runoff.

As farmers, you will get a loan and financial benefits under this scheme.

Eligibility

Farmers, who own lands, self-help groups, and cooperatives. Basically, anybody who has farmland or wants an irrigation system can avail this scheme.

How to avail of the scheme

Can apply for this scheme by visiting the District Agriculture Office or the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), or can directly apply by filling the form under PMKSY to drop more crops.

3. Agri Infrastructure Fund – Atmanirbhar Bharat

It was launched in the year 2020 under “Atmanirbhar bharat”, its schemes give financial support to the farmers and farming communities to build infrastructure, such as warehouses, cold storages, farm machinery banks, irrigation facilities, solar systems, etc. Its main focus was to improve farmers’ income by better availability of infrastructure.

Benefits

Under this scheme, the government of India will provide financial assistance, with a Rs. 1 lakh crore fund for medium—to long-term debt financing. There will also be a 3% interest subvention per annum on loans up to Rs. 2 crore for 7 years. Credit guarantee coverage will be provided through the credit guarantee fund trust for micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

Eligibility

Anybody can benefit from this scheme, including farmers, agripreneurs, communities, etc. You can avail yourself of this scheme if you are looking for any post-harvest infrastructure, community farming assets.

How to avail of the scheme

In order to avail of this scheme, one can visit the local agriculture department’s office, mainly in the blocks of a village. Or can also visit common service centres.

Can apply through an online process, visit the official portal, register as an eligible entity, submit all the necessary documents and apply for loans through the portal linked banks and NBFCS.

4.e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)

This scheme was launched in the year 2016, its main objective is to create a unified digital marketplace for agricultural commodities by the government of India, under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC).

This scheme doesn’t provide any sort of financial assistance like other schemes, but it provides a marketplace where farmers trade their produce across different states. Its main goal is to eliminate middle middleman and ensure reasonable prices.

Benefits

Farmers can connect and trade with other buyers across states, no middlemen will be involved. Better prices for the farmer for the produce.

Reduce dependency on local agents to sell the produce. Payments are made directly to the farmer’s bank account. This type of online platform gives the farmers a brief idea about the prices in the market, can also access the historical data for better decision making.

Quality check, weighing and grading services are integrated.

Anybody (farmers and traders) who has produce to sell is eligible for this scheme.

How to avail of the scheme

Farmers can apply for this scheme by visiting the nearest e-NAM registered mandi/APMC, or can apply online at https://enam.gov.in submit the necessary Once verified, you can view real-time prices, also post your produce for sale and receive bids from traders.

5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – RAFTAAR

RAFTAAR- Remunerative approaches for agriculture and allied sector rejuvenation, was launched in 2007, to support and strengthen the agriculture infrastructure. Under this scheme, it financially supports states for their agricultural plans. Its main goal is to promote agri-entrepreneurship and good infrastructure for agriculture.

Benefits

This scheme funds the states to invest in agricultural projects such as agribusiness incubation, startup funding, and skill development.

These investments will further help farmers and agripreneurs to increase productivity and income.

All the funds are allocated for the modernisation of agriculture, innovation, and smart technologies in agriculture, which will help increase the production and productivity of agricultural activities.

Eligibility

Startups, individuals and state governments are eligible for this scheme. Anybody who wants to avail of this scheme needs to present the necessary documents and agricultural plans.

How to avail of the scheme

In order to avail of the scheme, you need to prepare and submit the business proposal document after you have applied through recognised RKVY- RAFTAAR agribusiness incubators. You will receive funding in phases upon successful evaluation.

6. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

Under this scheme, subsidies and financial assistance are provided for climate-safe agricultural projects. This scheme focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture practices in order to improve soil health, water scarcity in agricultural activities.

Benefits

This scheme will help farmers who face losses due to climate change. By providing subsidies in climate smart technologies, soil health, irrigation, water harvesting systems, organic farming, precision farming, compost units, etc.

Subsidies are provided, up to 55% for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers.

It also supports farm-level infrastructure, rainwater harvesting and agroforestry.

Eligibility

Farmers, NGOS, farming communities, farmer producer organisations, etc.

How to avail of the scheme

You can avail of this scheme by contacting the nearest agriculture block office or the state agriculture department.

7. Soil Health Card Scheme

This scheme was launched in 2025 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Its main objective was to educate farmers about their soil health. Each farmer gets the soil health card, which contains information regarding the health of the soil (the nourishing status of the soil), crops that can be grown in that specific soil type and also recommendations on usage of fertilisers in order to improve the health of the soil.

Benefits

Farmers get a brief idea about their soil’s health, even though farmers are already pretty much well aware of their soil type, but due to the popularity of chemical fertilisers, the soil’s health condition tends to deteriorate in the long run.

This scheme helps farmers understand the accurate usage of fertiliser and organic matters, which can be used to improve their soil health.

This will help in more yield, low input cost.

Eligibility

This scheme is available to all farmers in India irrespective of location, land size, etc.

How to avail of the scheme

In order to avail of this scheme, you need to visit your nearest agricultural block, common service centre, or local krishi vigyan kendra.

8.Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

It was launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Its main objective is to promote organic farming, reduce the usage of chemical inputs, improve soil degradation, and increase the productivity of the farmers.

Benefits

Farmers will get financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for 3 years, which can be used for organic input procurement (Rs 31,000), certification and documentation (Rs 14,500), training, exposure visits and marketing (Rs 4,500).

Farmers will also get access to premium organic markets, packaging, branding and marketing benefits.

Eligibility

Farmers (group of minimum 20 members), self-help groups, farmers producer organisations, etc., each farmer should have 1-2 hectares of land.

How to avail of the scheme

As an individual, you need to join a certified group.

As a group, you need to form a group of 20 members with at least 1-2 hectares of land each member. Then submit the application to the state agriculture department or district nodal agency. Undergo training and practice organic farming, then receive certification under the PSG India.

9. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

This scheme was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Its main objective is to provide crop insurance coverage, which will help them financially from risks such as natural calamities, diseases and crop failure.

Benefits

Provides insurance and financial support to farmers in case of crop failure.

This helps farmers to have a stable income irrespective of crop losses due to any natural calamities, pests and diseases.

Promotes farming and also helps farmers to experiment with new and innovative technologies.

Farmer’s share of premium is 2% of the sum insured in case of kharif crops. 1% of the sum insured is the farmer’s share of premium in case of Rabi crop.

Eligibility

All farmers can apply with their land documents.

How to avail of the scheme

You can avail of the scheme by visiting the nearest bank branch or, CSC centre.

10. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

It was launched in 2014 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, as a part of NAPCC.

This scheme promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Sustainability is a really hot topic from the past few years, as people have started facing the effects of climate change, which makes sustainable practices a priority. It aims to increase the efficiency of agricultural activities, while climate change is not a side effect or byproduct.

Benefits

Climate-smart agricultural practices are adopted as they not only protect soil from degradation, less water wastage, but also help agriculture in the long run.

Provides financial assistance for water harvesting systems, irrigation systems, soil health management, and agroforestry development.

Eligibility

Any farmer, self-help groups, and farmer producer organisations are eligible. Main targeted areas are rainfed/ drylands regions, areas with declining soil fertility, groundwater levels, floods and droughts.

How to avail of the scheme

Visit local agriculture offices, block, KVK- Krishi Vigyan Kendra. And submit necessary documents and register, select the area you want to apply and use the benefits of the scheme.

Feeding Cities Sustainably: The Power of Urban Farming

Leave a Comment / Farming, Urban Farming / Bishnu Priya Gouda

From traditional methods of farming, usually practised in large green fields in rural areas, people have now introduced the concept of urban farming, where crops are grown not on land but instead in empty spaces like terraces, balconies, indoors, vertical setups, and community gardens.
The main motive of urban farming is to grow food where there is a high demand, as urban areas are heavily populated, and organic food usually becomes expensive due to transportation costs.

The need for urban farming

Urban farming is popular nowadays as people have become more health-conscious and lifestyle changes are happening. People now prefer spending time in nature, eating organic vegetables, and adding more trees and plants to urban cities to tackle pollution and humidity, which are major causes of climate change.

Less land for farming

As technologies have advanced in agriculture, people are using these technologies to grow food in very small spaces. Methods such as vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, etc., are now being used, and in urban areas, people grow their own food in balconies, terraces, and vacant spaces in their societies.

Food security

When food is grown in front of them, people know how safe or harmful it is. The amount of chemicals used is minimized, and people prefer organic food. After COVID-19, people have understood the importance of a good immune system and have become more health-conscious.

Environment protection

Urban areas are heavily populated and have bad air quality and high temperatures. These problems are serious and have been widely discussed at climate conferences. Climate change is such a big issue that if we don’t take action now, we may not get another chance. This is the only chance we have.

Reduces transportation

Crops are grown within urban areas where the demand exists. Transportation costs are minimized, and fresh food is readily available in the market. This also helps in reducing the carbon footprint.

Less wastage or recycling of waste

Urban farming leads to less food waste compared to traditional farming. Natural farming also minimizes waste, but urban farming is even more efficient, as farmers are closer to consumers. Food spoilage is reduced, harvesting is done when needed, cold storage units are used, and kitchen waste is utilised.

Water-efficient systems

Modern methods like hydroponics, aquaponics, and aquaculture use 80% less water compared to traditional farming methods, as the water is reused within the system.

Better quality as grown in controlled environments

Since most food is grown in controlled environments, it is organic, and very little pest control is needed. These methods are highly in demand as people seek out organic food.

Different methods of urban farming

In urban farming, since there is no large agricultural land available, people mainly use vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, and terrace farming. These methods have become effective due to advancements in technology.

Vertical farming

One of the challenges in urban farming is the availability of land. Vertical farming is an effective method where food is grown vertically, stacked in layers like shelves or on walls. Water supply is managed with gravity and motor pumps. If grown indoors, artificial lighting is used to replace sunlight.

Hydroponics

In this type of farming, plants grow in water instead of soil. They are grown in pipes, bottles, trays, etc. Water provides all the necessary nutrients for plant growth. Mainly leafy vegetables are grown in hydroponic setups. These are done indoors in controlled environments, so there are no problems with pests or wind. Although this setup is expensive, it is highly efficient.

Aquaponics

Aquaponics is somewhat similar to hydroponics but combines plant farming with fish farming. Water that passes from the plants is directed to the fishes, whose waste becomes nutrients for the plants. The nutrient-rich water is then recirculated to the plants, cleaning the water for the fish again.
This cycle creates a balanced ecosystem where both plants and fish thrive.

Terrace farming

In urban areas, terraces are often empty spaces. They are ideal for growing gardens of vegetables. Terrace gardens can also become community gardens, supporting mental health and creating peaceful environments.
Terraces can easily be converted into gardens by using large grow bags and containers.

Conclusion

In today’s world, it is good to see that people have become health-conscious and are taking steps to protect the environment. The younger generation is also starting to understand the importance of agriculture, and people are using available resources more effectively.
However, there is still a lot to achieve to heal our planet.
Urban farming is one positive step toward a better future. Although there is much more to achieve, we have already come a long way — from farming only on farmlands to advanced indoor farming like hydroponics and aquaponics.

Farming Without Spending: The Power of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)

Leave a Comment / Farming / Bishnu Priya Gouda

There are various methods of farming, but ultimately, the primary goal is to grow crops for food. Some farming techniques result in higher yields, while others may produce good yields but could harm the environment. Certain methods are challenging to master yet are beneficial for the environment and sustainable; if practiced correctly, they can yield even better and higher outputs. One such method is Zero Budget Farming, also known as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF).

Zero Budget Farming

Zero-budget farming is a method of farming in which no external inputs are used, such as chemical pesticides or fertilisers. This isn’t any new method, but it is the traditional Indian way of farming.

The concept of zero-budget farming was popularised by Subhash Palekar in the 1990s. He stated that all the necessary nutrients for the plant’s growth are naturally present in the environment; hence there’s no need for chemicals.

The Core Principle of ZBNF

The following are the core principles of zero-budget farming.

Zero Budget

As the name itself suggests, there will be zero to little investment in farming. But how can the cost of farming be reduced by using natural resources that are already available in nature? No chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used. Mainly, cow-based products are used (for that, you need to have your own cows to actually have a zero budget).

Soil Revitalisation

It means treating soil as a living ecosystem, so you need to feed microbes that will grow and support plant growth. There are 5 ways by which you can revitalise the soil:

Jeevamrutha – Microbial Life Booster
In this, a concoction is made up of many varieties of natural ingredients which are mixed and kept in shade for a few days to encourage microbial growth. This mixture is then added to the soil or the roots of the plants. This helps in improving the soil’s fertility.
Mulching (Acchadana) – Natural Soil Cover
Mulch is a protective layer made from dried leaves, crop residue, or green manure. It prevents topsoil erosion, retains moisture, provides organic matter as it decomposes, and supports the growth of earthworms and microbes.
Whapasa – Balanced Moisture and Air
Focuses on creating moisture + air conditions in the soil instead of flooding it. Frequent light irrigation is preferred over deep watering. Encourages better root growth and microbial activity.

No Chemical Inputs

In zero-budget farming, no chemicals are used; instead, natural fertilisers are used. Instead of pesticides, natural pest management is done, such as intercropping, where different kinds of crops are grown together, which will create an ecosystem that might help in pest management. Also, botanical extracts are used to control pests and diseases.

Indigenous Seeds

In zero-budget farming, no hybrid or exotic seeds are used as these will be expensive, and also they might not adapt to local climates and soil conditions. Indigenous seeds are used as they are resilient and can thrive in the local climates.

Integration of Livestock

Cows are the key component in zero-budget farming; their urine and dung are used to make Jeevamrutha or natural fertilisers for the farm. Indigenous breeds are mainly used as their dung and urine have higher concentrations of microorganisms compared to cross-breed cows.

Benefits of Zero Budget Farming

Zero-budget farming is highly beneficial to the farmer, as the cost is almost zero. Let’s understand the benefits of zero-budget farming in the following points:

Zero Production Cost

As most of the materials are naturally sourced and a lot of labour is involved, no machinery is used in this type of farming. There will be very little to no cost of production. Hence, all are natural and organic with no pesticides and chemicals.

Improved Soil Health

As no chemicals are used, and they are the main cause of degradation of soil health. As mostly natural ingredients such as cow dung, urine, kitchen waste, etc., are used, all these traditional but effective techniques will help in increasing the fertility of the soil without harming soil health.

Minimal Dependency on External Inputs

As we need zero budget in this type of farming, there’s rarely any use of machinery; instead, all traditional tools are used in this type of farming. All naturally available materials are used.

How fascinating is it that we can do farming or earn ourselves food without any expensive tools?

Sustainable Farming

As there’s no chemical washing off the soils and running into and ruining the river water, damaging the natural structure of the ecosystem, this will be prevented. Hence, the long-term benefits are high as they don’t harm the ecosystem. Encouraging the natural cycle of nutrition and growth.

Organic Farming

The best part of this type of farming is that there is zero use of chemicals. Whatever you produce is totally organic and really healthy vegetables as compared to all those vegetables that are coated with a layer of chemicals. These chemical vegetables are shiny and beautiful, but they are filled with harmful chemicals, which should be avoided at all cost.

Challenges of Zero-Budget Farming

As we have seen how glorious, chemical- and budget-friendly this type of farming is, in order to do zero-budget farming, you need to have a good amount of knowledge, and the yield will be less in the initial days. It also has a few challenges which can easily be overcome:

Difficult Farming Method and Training Gap

This type of farming method is difficult to follow, as usually chemicals are quick fixes to any solution, whether it be pests or fertilisers. As we won’t be using any chemicals, and instead we are following the natural way, it will take some time for your soil and you yourself to get used to this type of farming. You need to have a good amount of knowledge so that you can create a whole ecosystem for your crops, from pest management to cows, their dung and urine, to making natural fertilisers.

Labour Intensive

This type of farming is highly labour intensive, from preparing soil by adding all the natural fertilisers, manure, and compost, to taking care of the cow dung etc. This method might not show results or higher yields in the first year itself; instead, it will take some time to tackle all the problems naturally.

Lower Yields

In this method, it might not show results or higher yields in the first year itself; instead, it will take some time to tackle all the problems naturally. As every farm has its own ecosystem, they will require the solutions according to the location, soil, etc. So, there is no standard method of farming; instead, you need to understand the area, all the natural resources available nearby, and how to use them effectively without harming nature.

And it will take a few months to years for you to be fully equipped with the kind of knowledge in order to produce good yields.

Zero-budget farming demands a solid understanding of natural farming, patience, and community support. It is one of the eco-friendly agricultural methods, but implementing it effectively requires significant hard work to achieve good yields.

Once you discover the right approach to farming, you can expect high-quality and cost-effective yields. As a farmer committed to natural or zero-budget farming methods, you are likely to experience improved soil health, cost savings, and long-term success through persistence and dedication.

Is Rose Farming Profitable? Pros, Cons & Setup Explained

Leave a Comment / Farming / Bishnu Priya Gouda

Rose farming is the practice of cultivating rose plants on a commercial scale for flowers, essential oils, or landscaping purposes. Roses are one of the most popular and widely cultivated flowers globally due to their beauty, fragrance, and commercial value.
They are used extensively for:

Flower bouquets
Decorations for weddings and events
Perfume and essential oil extraction
Cosmetic and skincare products

Advantages of Rose Farming

High-profit crops if managed well
Roses are really popular flowers and hence are highly profitable, as demand is high and supply is not adequate. Growing roses is difficult and needs proper knowledge, experience, skill, climate, etc. Hence, the prices of roses are high. If rose farming is managed properly, then you will get good profit.
Can be grown in open fields, polyhouses, or greenhouses
Roses can be grown easily in polyhouses and greenhouses. If you are somebody who has knowledge and resources for polyhouses or greenhouses, then you can surely do rose farming.
Roses have both local and export market demand
As roses are beautiful flowers and are used in the cosmetic industry, fragrances, etc., they are quite popular among the crowd. Hence, they are popular locally and also are available for export.

Disadvantages of Rose Farming

High Initial Investment
The cost of quality saplings, fertilizers, irrigation systems, and infrastructure (like greenhouses) is expensive.
Drip irrigation, pest control, and farm maintenance require regular spending. Example: Initial setup cost can range from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh per acre depending on farming methods.
Pest & Disease Problems
Roses are highly sensitive to:
Aphids, Thrips, Red Spider Mites (Insects)
Fungal diseases like Powdery Mildew, Black Spot, and Root Rot
Virus attacks
Regular pest management is required, which increases cost and workload.
Labour Intensive Crop
Roses need daily care like pruning, irrigation, spraying, and harvesting.
Skilled labour is required to handle plants without damaging them.
Labour shortage can be a big issue during harvesting seasons.
Perishable Product
Roses have a very short shelf life after harvesting (especially cut flowers).
Delayed marketing or transport can lead to loss of quality and price drop. Requires cold storage or quick transportation to markets.
Market Fluctuation & Price Variation
The price of roses depends on market demand, festivals, and seasons.
Prices may drop heavily after peak seasons like Valentine’s Day, weddings, or festivals.
Farmers may suffer losses if supply exceeds demand.
Climate Dependency
Roses need favourable climatic conditions for healthy growth.
Heavy rains, drought, extreme heat, or frost can damage plants and reduce yields.

Selection of Location

As in rose farming or any other farming, location plays a big role in growing the plant. For rose farming, the following are the favorable conditions:

Temperature
The temperature for rose farming needs to be from 15–28°C.
Soil Type
The soil is the base of farming, and it needs to be loamy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6–7.
Rainfall
The rainfall should be moderate with proper drainage. Heavy rainfall can create fungus or other diseases for the plant.

States where rose farming is done are the following

Karnataka
Maharashtra
Tamil Nadu
West Bengal
Uttar Pradesh
Haryana
Punjab
Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand

Conclusion

Rose farming is a profitable business only when done properly, or else you might face heavy losses. With the growing demand for organic flowers and rose products in the cosmetic industry, rose farming is gaining popularity among farmers.

Microgreens: The Future of Urban and Indoor Farming

1 Comment / Farming / Bishnu Priya Gouda

Nowadays, with the help of technology and modern ways of precise farming, many types of agriculture have become beneficial and accessible. One such is microgreen farming, which is a fast-growing segment of agriculture, especially popular for urban farming and small-scale setups or indoor farming.
In this article, you will get a brief idea of microgreen farming, its benefits, disadvantages, and basic setup plan.

Microgreens Farming

Microgreen farming is different from normal farming of plants. Here, young vegetables are harvested just after the cotyledon leaves develop; hence it doesn’t take much time for the plants to harvest. These leaves or greens at this stage are very nutritious and add a flavour to any dish. Hence, these are popular among chefs as they tend to add a depth of flavour to the dish, making it rich and tasty.

Microgreens

Microgreens are small plants from herbs and vegetables. They are harvested just after the cotyledons appear. They are smaller than baby plants but bigger than sprouts and very rich in nutrients—mainly 4 to 40 times higher than normal mature plants. They are mainly used in salads, smoothies, and garnishing. They tend to add an in-depth flavour to the dishes.
Example:
Normal plant – big spinach
Microgreen – tiny spinach seedling (7-10 days old)

Advantages of Microgreen Farming

Following are the advantages of microgreen farming:

Short growing phase
Microgreens are not fully grown plants. Instead, they are harvested when the first cotyledons appear. Hence, it takes around 7–12 days to harvest a microgreen. As harvesting is done so early, you can easily plant multiple crops per month for regular or constant income.
Organic
To grow these plants, no fertilizers or chemicals are needed; they are purely organic. Also, no need for fertilizers or chemicals cuts off some of the key costs for growing.
Low investment, low maintenance, and high profit
In order to grow microgreens, you need small space and capital, as they are harvested quickly, making microgreen farming a quick return on investment (ROI).
Less water is used compared to other methods of farming, and no soil preparation or labour-intensive work is needed.
Fast growing market
Nowadays, people are more focused on a healthy lifestyle, clean, organic, and healthy food. With this mindset shift, the demand for microgreens is increasing in urban cities and luxury hotels.
No expertise or professional certifications needed
Growing microgreens is an easy farming technique. Anybody can learn and easily adapt to this farming method. A larger variety and quantity can be grown in a small setup.

Disadvantages of Microgreen Farming

Some of the disadvantages of growing microgreens are the following:

Maintaining hygiene and disease-free environment
As they are grown in small spaces indoors or even outdoors, they are difficult to keep disease-free. We need to create an artificial environment for microgreens to grow.
Collecting the best quality seeds
As there’s no other important element in this type of farming, seeds play a really important role here. Choosing high-quality seeds from trusted brands is really important.
Creating a consistent market
As a farmer of microgreens, you need to find a good market for them to sell. As they are harvested quickly, within just 7–10 days, you need to find a consistent market to sell.

Requirements of Microgreen Farming

Following are the necessities for microgreen farming:

Location, space – it can be indoor, balconies, terraces, or greenhouses
Equipment – growing trays, seeds (good quality), water sprays, growing medium (cocopeat, soil, or tissue papers)
LED grow lights for indoor farming

Steps of Microgreen Farming

Following are the steps for microgreen farming:

Step 1 – Selection of good quality seeds
Step 2 – Preparation of trays – you need to prepare the trays with a growing medium (tissues, cocopeat, soil). Doing this step correctly is highly important as this will create the base for growing.
Step 3 – Growing – in this step, you need to spread the seeds evenly, as this will ensure proper growth of the microgreens. Cover the trays for germination for 2–3 days. Once the seeds are germinated, you need to expose the seeds to sunlight after germination.
Step 4 – Maintenance – you need to water them daily and watch out for any diseases, as prevention is better than cure.
Step 5 – Harvesting – once the microgreens are fully developed, it will take around 7–21 days. You need to harvest them once grown.

Conclusion

Microgreen farming is really easy and convenient to grow, and they are highly profitable as compared to traditional methods of farming. Microgreens are healthy, nutrient-rich, easily digestible plants. Starting microgreen farming is a wise investment and business to do.