Farming in India without land was once inconceivable, but today it’s being practised in most unexpected places, even in your basements or rooftops. But how is it possible? And what led to these changes?
Heavy industrialization and Farmers’ inequity over the years led to a major shift of people from the agriculture sector to the service sector, which also means that a huge number of people left their villages and settled down in urban areas. Today more than 45% of the workforce is employed in the Agriculture sector which contributes to about 16% of the country’s GVA, while there is only 28.9% workforce involved in the service sector contributing 54.72% of the total GVA. This ratio speaks more than what could be written in words.
But when others saw it as an adversity, a few agripreneurs found an opportunity, and that is when technology developed by experts like Dr Dickson Despommier (also known as the father of indoor farming)came into actual practice and led to multiple Indoor Farming Business ideas in India.
Indoor Farming Business Ideas in India
Is indoor farming limited to Hydroponics or Aeroponics?
Although many of the indoor farming practices depend upon the hydroponics unit yet, there is so much to see. Here are some flourishing indoor farming businesses that can bring great profit and lead to a sustainable future.
1. Strawberry Farming
It is great for those who want to produce fruits indoors. Strawberry farming is also done through hydroponics units integrated with vertical farming. It takes around 90 days from planting to harvesting. A typical 1000 feet unit can accommodate 1000-2000 plants. If harvesting is done continuously, you may get 80-150 kg monthly yield, as strawberries produce multiple crops in a year.
Structural Requirements:
- Proper hydroponics system facility.
- Seed tray facility.
- Monitoring system.
- Pollination system.
- Growing media.
- Disease-free environment and hygienic facilities.
- Isolating Room.
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 1,760,000- 2,920,000
- Monthly Operating Costs: INR 34,167 – 60,000
- Revenue(Monthly): INR 12,450 – 75,000
| PROS | CONS |
| Established in small spaces High market demand Uniform productivity Consistent flavour High Returns | High Establishment Cost Right training required Continuous maintenance and monitoring Vulnerability to system failure |
2. Mushroom Farming
Mushroom farming is one of the oldest indoor farming practices. This edible fungi is not only good for your health but also good for your wallet. You can just grow them in waste from your field, such as wheat straw, and then, with just a little care and monitoring, there you will have a good sum of profit.
Take the example of Ayush and Rishabh Gupta from Agra, who started A3R Mushroom Farms and Gupta Organic Farms, thet earn 7.5 crores annually by growing 40 tonnes of organic mushrooms every month.
Mushrooms might have a smaller demand in the Indian market as compared to other vegetables and fruits, but as veganism is popularising the demand for its processing and export is undeniable. Common types of mushrooms cultivated indoors include:
- Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
- Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes)
- Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
- Lion’s Mane Mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus)
- Enoki Mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes)
- Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica)
Among these, the Milky mushrooms and the Button mushrooms are most popular in India.
Structural Requirements:
- Space(Basement/Empty Room/Garage)
- Growing Substrate: Different types of mushrooms require different substrates (straw, wood logs, coffee grounds, etc.).
- Temperature and Humidity Control
- Lighting
- Containers and Racks
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 1,00,000 – 3,00,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): INR 20,000 – 50,000
- Revenue (Monthly): INR 60,000 – 1,50,000
| PROS | CONS |
| High Demand Faster Yield Year Round Cultivation High Returns | High establishment cost Technical knowledge Continuous monitoring Contamination risks |
Also Read:
3. Rooftop Farming/Terrace Farming
This practice is not exactly indoor but it’s being done in your house, so we can consider it. It is one of the most popular farming practices being done in urban areas today. Most of the people do it out of their hobby. But little do we know that this hobby can bring you wealth as well. Also, you can grow multiple crops in this system like vegetables, fruits, flowers, or microgreens.
You can even build a hydroponics and vertical system in this area. It is best to design a plan before starting because first, the roof needs to be suitable(waterproof). You can even go for organic certification of your produce to get additional benefits, even subsidies will be available too.
The Bihar Government has also promoted it by introducing the ‘Gamla Scheme’ under ‘‘Roof Gardening Scheme 2024-25’ under which farmers will get a subsidy of Rs. 7500 to set pots for farming. Such initiatives do help a lot in business.
Structural Requirements:
- Waterproofed Roof
- Adequate shade/ shelter.
- Enough number of pots.
- Irrigation facilities.
- Trellis and vertical farming equipment.
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 50,000 – 2,00,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): INR 10,000 – 30,000
- Revenue (Monthly): INR 30,000 – 1,00,000(Depending upon the crop)
| PROS | CONS |
| Space Utilisation Local Food Production Environmental benefits Aesthetic Value Community Engagement | Structural limitation Access to water Pest management Weather disadvantages Temperature extremes |
4. Microgreen Farming
It is yet another aspect of hydroponics or aquaponics farming. It includes the cultivation of young seedlings of edible plants just after the emergence of their first true leaves i.e. after 7-21 days. It has the same taste, colour and nutrients as their mature plants and is used as a sought-after ingredient in cuisine, salads and healthy foods. Some common types of microgreens include:
- Vegetables: Peas, radishes, beets, kale, and arugula.
- Herbs: Basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley.
- Others: Sunflower, broccoli, and mustard greens.
Structural Requirements:
- Hydroponics or Aquaponics Systems.
- Isolated Rooms.
- Seed trays and Racks.
- Monitoring system.
- Growing media.
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 20,000 – 1,00,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): INR 5,000 – 15,000
- Revenue (Monthly): 25,000 – 75,000 (Depending on crop type and market prices)
| PROS | CONS |
| High nutritional value Quick growth High market demand Small space requirement High returns Low initial investments | Labour intensive Limited Shelf Life Limited Crop Market competition Small scale production Sensitivity to environmental changes |
5. Aloe and Succulents Farming.
After enlightenment with the benefits of Aloe, there is a huge demand for it in food processing, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. And it is so easy to grow them in your house, even the propagation is simple too. All you need is buckets or pots in a small area.The same goes for succulents, their demand is never-ending, they look aesthetic and are used as ornamental in different places and on various occasions.
This might be the most flourishing and competitive indoor farming business in India. Their propagation is the easiest of all, just a few leaf and stem cuttings can give you a bunch of new plants. In addition, they thrive in almost any geographical location w.r. t. India, under minimal care.
This industry is growing at the rate of 10-13% each year in India, and the best part is, that there’s no need for professional training to start it, a little knowledge and a bit of experience are enough.
Structural Requirements:
- Growing space and layout.
- Containers and pots.
- Growing media.
- Temperature or humidity control system.
- Automation
- Watering system
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 30,000 – 1,50,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): INR 5,000 – 15,000
- Revenue (Monthly): INR 20,000 – 1,00,000
Also Read:
| PROS | CONS |
| Huge Market Minimal investment High returns Aesthetic value Less labour Less monitoring | Market Saturation Quality control is difficult Efficient logistics of small succulents is very difficult |
6. Nursery Business
With the help of vertical farming, aero towers or aeroponics systems, a great nursery system can be practised in peri-urban and urban areas in small spaces. Instead of providing the finished products, many people would like to have the plantlets. If you want to start at a smaller scale, then start with only vegetables or flowers alone, that way you don’t have to buy the raw material over and over again. You can build up these nurseries in three ways:
- Indoor Nurseries: In your balcony or home gardens.
- Vertical nurseries, stacked over each other.
- Hydroponics and Aeroponics. One can optimise maximum yield by integrating all of these three methods.
Structural Requirements:
- Lighting and irrigation setup
- Monitoring equipment.
- Storage area.
- Transportation medium.
- Pots, stacks, and polybags.
- Propagating tools.
- Growing media
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 46,000- 1,63,000
- Operating Costs(Monthly): INR 10,500-22,500
- Revenue: Depends on the plant type, for example, the cost of:
Small houseplants: INR 100- 500 each
Herbs: INR 50- 200 per pot.
Seasonal flowers: INR 30- 300 each
Roughly, INR 60,000-1,50,000 monthly revenue can be generated in the indoor nursery business.
| PROS | CONS |
| Low initial cost High Market Demand Community engagement Aesthetic value Environmental benefits High return | Space limitation Quality control Administration and certification Market competition Knowledge and expertise |
7. Incense Sticks Manufacturing
According to a report by PIB, the worship grounds and ceremonies in India generate around 21 million tonnes of flower waste daily, which Doesn’t easily decompose in landfills. In turn, around 8 million tonnes of flowers are dumped into rivers every year. The government has issued several warnings against such acts of pollution, but what can we do about this waste, if not dumping it?
Poonam Singh, a resident of Gurgaon, then 37 years old, found a solution to it. With the help of a few other women and people in her community, she took an incense-making venture from these wasted flowers. Today, she earns more than 2 Lakhs per month from a 1000 kg flower waste. She has also helped in empowering hundreds of women.
This business idea is not just economical but humanitarian too. You can start it in almost every city in this country with a little cooperation from local temples and people around you. The uncontrollable flower waste can now become a source of income for some, this is the very definition of healthy Entrepreneurship.
Structural Requirement:
- There is no need for heavy equipment or machinery.
- Storage Area
- Packaging Area
- Safety Equipments
- Drying Racks
- Mortar and Pestle
Cost Estimation:
- Initial Investment: ₹16,000 to ₹40,000
- Operating Costs(Monthly): ₹13,500 to ₹29,000
- Cost of different Incense :
Stick incense: ₹10 to ₹20 per stick or ₹100 to ₹300 per pack (10-20 sticks).
Cone incense: ₹15 to ₹30 each.
Loose incense: ₹200 to ₹500 per 100 grams.
- Revenue: it depends on the type of incense you want to sell. Roughly it is around INR 1,00,000-3,00,000
| PROS | CONS |
| Low establishment Cost High market demand Variety Environmental Benefits High Returns | Quality Control Labour Intensive Time-consuming Certification Seasonal Variations |
8. Herb Farming
Herbs are a lot different from our regular vegetables, they are special for several reasons, primarily due to their versatility, health benefits, and wide range of applications. Some of these are used fresh, like mint and some after processing like Rosemary. Their cost is relatively high and their demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry is unbelievable. But it’s really hard to grow them.
Worry not, you can grow them in a hydroponic unit within a controlled environment. Types of Herbs that could be grown Indoors are:
- Culinary Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, thyme, rosemary, oregano, chives, and dill.
- Medicinal Herbs: Lavender, echinacea, chamomile, peppermint, and lemon balm.
- Aromatic Herbs: Herbs used for essential oils, teas, and potpourri, such as sage, thyme, and rosemary.
Structural Requirements:
- Hydroponics unit and other systems.
- Isolated Rooms.
- Seed trays and Racks.
- Monitoring system.
- Growing media.
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 50,000 – 2,00,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): INR 10,000 – 30,000
- Revenue (Monthly): INR 30,000 – 1,00,000
Also Read:
| PROS | CONS |
| Space utilisation High Demand Diversity of products Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Customization and Innovation Easy handling | High initial investment Limited scale Skill and knowledge Administration and certification are a must Time-consuming Market competition |
9. Saffron/ Kesar Farming.
A big case overflooded the internet in 2023 about Shubha Bhatnagar, who is a 64-year-old retired government officer from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, she successfully grew saffron indoors using aeroponics. Today, she owns Shubhavni SmartFarms, which gives a return of up to 10 lakhs annually and helps empower women in the agriculture sector.
Saffron is also known as the ‘Red Gold’, due to its high price and vibrant red colour, It is derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower.
On average, it costs around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000 per 100 grams, and the premium quality saffron from Kashmir or its native region can cost even more. In India, saffron is used in various dishes to enhance flavour, in medicine to treat cough, menstrual pain, etc and other cosmetic industries.
Using aeroponics for such a delicate and promising crop was indeed a brilliant business idea. After taking inspiration from Shubha, many other indoor farmers have started doing the same to earn more profit.
Structural Requirements:
- Hydroponics facility Humidity and temperature controller.
- Automated Monitoring Systems.
- Stacks and trays.
- Precise irrigation tool.
- Growing media.
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 8,00,000 -15,00,000
- Operating Cost(Monthly): INR 70,000 – 1,35,000
- Total Revenue: INR 6,00,000 – 1,25,00,000(annually)
Also Read:
| PROS | CONS |
| High Return Controlled Conditions Pest-Free Cultivation Efficient space use Market domination | High Initial Investment Slow Yield Growth(Harvesting once a year) Technical Expertise Labor-Intensive Harvest |
10. Food Processing(Jam/Sauce/Ketchup/Pickle)
The average annual growth rate of FPIs(Food Processing Industries) is around 7.26% in India and contributes to about 32% of the total food industry. The government is trying to increase these numbers each year. And why not? It provides employment, averts food wastage and its export also helps boost the economy of the country. The processing of some fruits and vegetables is easy and benefits a lot. Types of food processing that one can adopt are:
- Dehydration and Preservation(Pickling/Fermentation)
- Value-Added Products(e.g. converting tomatoes into ketchup)
- Food Packaging
- Cold Chain Processing(Frozen and Refrigerated Products)
- Ready-to-Eat Meals
Structural Requirements:
- Equipment required for particular processing.
- Sanitization and cleaning facility.
- Emergency facility.
- Safety measures
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: 2,00,000 – 5,00,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): 50,000 – 1,00,000
- Revenue (Monthly): 1,00,000 – 5,00,000
| PROS | CONS |
| Enhanced food safety Reduce food wastages Product Quality Energy efficiency | High initial cost Regular Monitoring Technical Support High Market Competition |
11. Flour Milling
Though it is one of the processing units Floor milling is different. It is one of the easiest indoor farming business ideas, you just need a grinding machine to convert cereals into flour, which is used in our food every day. But wait, it not only makes the cereals’ consumption better but also draws the important nutrients out of it. And this is done indoors, even in urban areas. It increases the value of produce and brings great advantages.
Structural Requirements:
- Compared to other indoor farming ideas, this one needs more space.
- Milling Equipments
- Testing Equipment.
- Certification and licence.
- Hygienic facilities.
- Fire safety measures.
- Compliance with regulations.
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 2,00,000 – 5,00,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): INR 30,000 – 70,000
- Revenue (Monthly): INR 1,00,000 – 5,00,000
| PROS | CONS |
| High market demand Easy handling Diversification Large scale production Value addition and fortification. | High initial cost Regulatory compliance Waste treatment Labour intensive Quality challenges |
12. Bonsai Making and Plant Sculpture
Never see the profit first in this business, see the hard work and patience behind it. Bonsai making is lucrative and It’s good to try it out as a hobby, you never know when it will become your job. Just like Mr. Saumik Das, who fell in love with this art, and now is one of the best bonsai artists in India. He owns a bonsai nursery and became quite popular among horticulturists. In an article by ‘Better India’, it’s said that he has a turnover of around 50 lakh/year with just one thousand plants.
The older the bonsai, the higher its cost, which means none of his creations have yet reached their highest price, but look at his earnings, it’s all worth it. And with the popularity of Japanese culture in India, Bonsai will never be left behind.
Structural Requirements:
- Proper space and perfect layout.
- Reachable shelves and pots.
- Temperature and humidity controller.
- Lighting and water supplies.
- Pruning Tools and Accessories.
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 30,000 – 1,00,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): INR 5,000 – 15,000
- Revenue (Monthly): INR 20,000 – 1,00,000
| PROS | CONS |
| Aesthetic appealing Space Efficiency Therapeutic effects Educational Value Long lifespan High Returns | The initial cost is High Intense labour and maintenance Slow Growth process Vulnerability to environmental stresses Training and knowledge |
13. Indoor Aquaculture
Indoor aquaculture systems, often referred to as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), is a practice of cultivating aquatic species like fishes, shrimps, and other marine or freshwater animals in controlled and closed spaces. These systems can control the pH, temperature, oxygen levels, and waste filtration to create an ideal environment for raising aquatic species. This can be done in small spaces and needs less water than the conventional method of aquaculture. It is a great success in fisheries science to develop such a method, which is being used in most places in India.
Common Species Farmed in Indoor Aquaculture: Tilapia, Shrimp, Salmon, Catfish, Trouts, etc.
Structural Requirements:
- Water Tanks.
- Filtration System.
- Monitoring and Control Systems
- Feeding Systems
- Lighting and Temperature Control
- Water Recirculation and Aeration
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: INR 1,00,000 – 5,00,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): INR 30,000 – 80,000
- Revenue (Monthly): INR 50,000 – 2,00,000
| PROS | CONS |
| Controlled Environment Water efficiency Sustainability Space efficiency | High Initial Cost Limited Species Suitability Technical Expertise Difficult Waste Management Market Access and Competition |
14. Essential Oil Processing (Small-scale)
The essential oil processing business is both rewarding and challenging. It has high demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Some essential oils have therapeutic effects and hence, are used in soap, scented candles, and skin care products.
If you are planning for a small-scale business then you can even grow the raw material at home, (e.g. Rosemary, peppermint or lavender). It will provide flexibility for your business and a little experimentation with products is easy too. On top of that, the government of India is providing high subsidies on such business ideas.
Structural Requirements :
- Processing area(150-300 sq. feet room is enough to house steam distillation or cold-pressing equipment for small scale)
- Filtration Area
- Storage Area
- Ventilation and waste disposal area.
- Safety measures
Cost Estimation:
- Establishment Cost: (Small Scale): INR 3,00,000- 8,00,000
- Operating Cost (Monthly): INR 75,000- 1,50,000
Average Price of Essential Oils in India:
Lavender oil: INR 2,000- 3,000/L
Peppermint oil: INR 1,000- 1,500/L
Lemongrass oil: INR 800-1,200/L
Sandalwood oil: INR 10,000- 25,000/L (depending on purity and quality).
- Revenue (Monthly): It depends upon the crop you are growing. But on average it is around INR 1,00,000- 3,00,000 per month.
| PROS | CONS |
| Space utilisation High Demand Diversity of products Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Customization and Innovation Easy handling | High initial investment Limited scale Skill and knowledge Administration and certification are a must Time-consuming Market competition |
15. Salad Crop Farming
Salad Crop farming can be done indoors through a hydroponics Unit. The initial cost or establishment cost of a hydroponics unit might be a little high but the continuous income is pretty decent. It is being said by specialists that you can grow absolutely any plant in a hydroponics unit, but it still needs years of research to do so. Surprisingly, many firms have adapted this technology to bring maximum profit by growing salad crops such as kale, celery, bok choy, and lettuce. The life cycle of these salad crops is much shorter than that of strawberries. You can expect a yield of 150-250g/plant.
Growth Cycle for Salad Crops in Hydroponics:
- Lettuce: 30 to 45 days from seed to harvest.
- Spinach: 30 to 40 days.
- Arugula: 20 to 30 days.
- Kale: 40 to 60 days.
Structural Requirements:
- Proper system facility.
- Isolating Room.
- Good Monitoring system.
- Proper seed tray stacking facilities.
- Disease-free environment and hygienic facilities.
Cost Estimation: After including the cost of all systems
- Establishment Cost: INR 5,00,000 – 10,00,000(For a mid-scale hydroponic farm of 1000 sq. ft.)
- Monthly operating cost: INR 50,000 – 1,20,000(Includes rent, utilities, labour, nutrients, etc.)
- Revenue: It depends on the crop that you have grown in the hydroponics unit and its demand. But on average, it is around INR 14,40,000 – 22,80,000. You can break even in 6-12 months.
| PROS | CONS |
| Can be established in small spaces Grow organic food, i.e. high in demand Grow high-valued salads Excellent for infertile land.High Returns | High initial cost Only to be handled after the right training Continuous Maintenance and monitoring Limited crops Vulnerability to system failure Unpopularity in India |
Also Read:
- Earn up to 3 lakhs in 3 months through Tulsi Farming
- 25 Agriculture Business Ideas for 2025
- 20 Best Low Investment High Profit Crops to Make You Rich
Conclusion
While studying or trying to understand Agriculture, many people reach the conclusion that farming in India is not economical. I hope this article has cleared your doubts.
There is a saying that, ‘ There is no age to learn something new’, so if you have the courage, then this is the right time to do something. It’s not important if you are experienced or a novice, you just have to give it a try, to be an agripreneur. Thanks to people like Shubha Bhatnagar, Poonam Singh, and Saumik Das, who took the risk and inspired many other indoor farming business ideas in India, which is a beautiful integration of Agriculture and Technology along with sustainability.
Even if you have no interest in being an entrepreneur, and you just want to become closer to nature again without leaving the comfort of your present life. Indoor farming is just the right thing for you because it is not only an innovation, it is the bridge to reconnect our fancy urban lives with nature and a way to let our children experience this green wealth too.
Latest Post
- How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms at Home in India
- Top 10 Profitable Fruit Farming in India
- 5 Unique Hobby Farm Animals You Should Consider Domesticating
- April 2025- Times of Agriculture Magazine
- Top Coffee Producing States in India
- 15 Best Indoor Farming Business Ideas in India
- Saffron Farming at Home: Amazing Guide for You in Steps
- Aloe vera farming in India – Cost, Market Trends and Profits
- March 2025 : Times of Agriculture Magazine
- Olive Farming in India: High Demand Oil Crop in 2025
- February Issue 2025 : Times of Agriculture
- 25 Types of Agave Plants to Create a Whimsical Landscape.
