Hey Everyone! Having been congratulated or criticized at least once for our obsession with pants, we all have thought (at least casually) about taking our obsessions to the next level, becoming agripreneurs, and following the contemporary advice of ‘doing what you love’. However, the stories of abysmal losses and the general uncertainty related to crop cultivation have deterred us.
But as a generation living amid remarkable technological advancements that continually reiterate the proverb ‘nothing is impossible,’ we can show that agriculture has the potential to escalate to one of the most profitable businesses in the world. In this article, we have curated the best low investment high profit crops you can grow.
Best Low Investment High Profit Crops
A crop, by simple definition, is a plant or an animal grown on a particular piece of land and is harvested to be used by the farmer himself or sold for economic gains. In this article, we will mainly focus on crops that can be grown with minimum fiscal requirements but have the potential to reap extraordinary profits.
But an important point is that these crops are suited only for specific environmental conditions. So before planning to cultivate a particular crop, always check whether it is suitable for the conditions of your area. Now, let’s delve into the 20 best low investment high profit crops without wasting more time.
1. Microgreens Farming
Microgreens Farming are a trendy topic in the agri-business world. Microgreens refer to vegetable greens harvested at an early stage after sprouting. These are great additions to your recipes because of their exquisite flavor and unparalleled nutritional benefits. Also, witnessing these lilliputian plants emerge and grow is a sight that gives you great satisfaction.
Crop Requirements
- Growth space: Plastic trays or containers with proper drainage holes.
- Growth medium: Use a quality potting mixture, coco peat, or other suitable growth medium.
- Temperature and humidity: According to the particular microgreen variety.
- Watering: Sprinkle water almost every day.
- Light: Best grown in natural sunlight.
Also Read- What is Microgreen Farming
2. Moringa
For some people, a Moringa, commonly called Drumstick tree, might be an unexpected entry in the list. But this crop can grow in the most stressful conditions in minimal water, making it a crop requiring low investment. It is a fast-growing crop, and its leaves, pods, and seeds possess numerous health benefits, making them a crop in high demand.
Crop Requirements
| Soil type | Adapted to different types of soil |
| Soil ㏗ | 6.5 to 8 |
| Climate | 25-30℃ temperature range |
| Irrigation | Regular irrigation with 10-15 days interval |
Care needs to be taken to prevent pest and disease incidences.
3. Bamboo
Did you know? Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on the planet.
Renowned for its strength and endurance, bamboo has been used in construction and furniture since ancient times. They are also used in the production of paper. They do not require any maintenance at all. With this rare combination of minimal maintenance and an explosive growth rate, bamboo is one of the best low-investment, high-profit crops on this list.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Well-drained sandy-loam and clay-loam soils are best |
| Soil ㏗ | 4.5-6.0 |
| Climate | Warm, humid environments |
| Irrigation | Drip irrigation, flood irrigation, or rainwater irrigation |
Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) is the tallest grass species in the world (151 feet).
4. Mushrooms
Mushrooms have consistently been part of every profitable agri-business article on the internet. Still, they continue to amuse people with their revered health benefits. These fungal wonders can be grown indoors with minimal expenditure. There is great encouragement from the government and agricultural universities to take up mushroom farming. Gourmet mushrooms like Oyster, Shiitake, and Lion’s Mane can be a highly profitable venture due to their high demand.
Crop Requirements
- Growing medium/substrate: Prepared from plant wastes, water, and supplements.
- Temperature and humidity: 18-28 ℃ with 80-90% relative humidity
- Mushroom spawns: Buy from a reputed institute.
Also Read- 6 Most Important Types of Mushroom in India
5. Cactus Pear
Many of you must have seen this fruit on social media apps. A red, fleshy fruit that grows on the tip of a cactus plant that looks mouth-wateringly delicious and juicy. Well, that plant is the Cactus Pear, also called Prickly Pear. Although the fruits are widely popular, their cultivation is currently limited. It is a drought-tolerant fruit crop that requires low investment and can provide high yields. They have high demand in both domestic and international markets.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Arid, sandy soils |
| Soil ㏗ | Acidic and alkaline soils are suitable |
| Climate | Sunny warm summers and cool dry winters |
| Irrigation | Light watering at 10-15 days intervals |
Also Read –25 Profitable Agriculture Business Ideas with Low Investment
6. Lavender
These beautiful flowers, synonymous with opulence, are a sight to behold. They are lauded for their rich, captivating fragrance. These Lavender fragrant flowers are used for the preparation of essential oils, and cosmetics, and are also used in aromatherapy and culinary applications. Despite its worldwide importance in the cosmetic industry, it is a low-maintenance crop that can thrive in stressful conditions making it an ideal choice for small-scale farmers.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Well-drained sandy or sandy-loam soils |
| Soil ㏗ | 7.2-8.3 |
| Climate | Cool winters and cool summers |
| Irrigation | Irrigation for first 2 years mainly (drip irrigation preferred) |
7. Avocado
Also known as Butter Fruits, Avocados are a favorite among nutrition experts in India because of their numerous health benefits. A not-so-much popular fruit in the past, it is slowly picking up demand in the country. One of the biggest cons is its maturation time, which is 3-4 years. Apart from that, they are high-value fruit crops that can provide high returns.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Wide range of soils except those with poor drainage. |
| Soil ㏗ | 5.0-7.0 |
| Climate | Tropical and semi-tropical humid areas |
| Irrigation | Consistent irrigations with 3-4 weeks interval |
8. Stevia
Stevia is a herbaceous perennial native to South America. This plant is becoming important lately due to the presence of low-calorie glycosides that are present in the plant. These are sweeter than sucrose and can be consumed by diabetic patients. The plant also harbors other medicinal and dietary benefits that make it an underrated gem. With the increasing demand for healthy sugar alternatives, stevia is a low-investment high-profit crop.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Sandy-loam soils |
| Soil ㏗ | 5.0-7.5 |
| Climate | Warm and sunny weather with 65-80% relative humidity |
| Irrigation | Irrigate twice a week as per requirement |
Did you know? The steviol glycosides present in the leaves of stevia are 300 times sweeter than sucrose.
9. Ginseng
Another plant on the list is known for its medicinal properties and is a frequent ingredient of Ayurveda medicines. Belonging to the Araliaceae family, these slow-growing perennial herbs are found commonly in America. Ginseng cultivation requires patience and specific growing conditions. However, it offers a high profit potential due to its value in traditional medicine and health supplements.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Loamy-deep soils with high organic content |
| Soil ㏗ | 5.0-6.0 |
| Climate | Cold temperatures of nearly 10℃ |
| Irrigation | Low water requirement |
Did you know? Using Ginseng can reduce alcohol toxicity.
10. Chia Seeds Cultivation
This plant, grown commonly in the South American regions, especially Mexico, is a pseudocereal mainly grown for extracting its edible Chia seeds. Chia seeds have gained popularity as a superfood rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. cultivating chia plants for their seeds can be a low-cost, high-profit venture, especially in regions with suitable growing conditions.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Medium clay or sandy soils |
| Soil ㏗ | 6.0-8.5 |
| Climate | Slightly warm temperatures with temperatures of 16-26℃ |
| Irrigation | Frequent irrigations depending on rainfall |
Also Read
11. Saffron
Derived from the Crocus sativus flower, Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice by weight. Saffron has a huge demand in the cosmetic and culinary sectors. The cultivation requires a high initial investment to buy corms and for its maintenance, its high national as well as international demand makes up for it.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Sandy-loam |
| Soil ㏗ | 6.8-7.8 |
| Climate | Warm sub-tropical climate |
| Irrigation | 30 mm water per week in two schedules is required. |
Which spice is known as Red Gold? Saffron
12. Quinoa
Bet it’s the first time many of you are hearing about this crop right? Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a crop that is grown for its highly nutritious seeds. Right now Quinoa is not being cultivated commercially in India but is expected to begin soon. It is a nutritious, gluten-free grain that has gained global popularity in recent years. But its cultivation is a bit of a challenge since it becomes profitable if it is grown in the right conditions only.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Sandy-loam |
| Soil ㏗ | 5.0-9.0 |
| Climate | Ideal temperature range of 18-20℃ |
| Irrigation | Rainfed crop, no need for irrigation |
13. Hemp
Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa that is grown for commercial use. Since its relative is responsible for the production of Marijuana, there are restrictions on the production of hemp. The cultivation has gained prevalence in recent years due to the increased demand for products such as CBD oil, fiber, and seeds. With its increased demand and low input costs, hemp can offer high profit potential for farmers.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Well-aerated loam soil |
| Soil ㏗ | 6.0-7.5 |
| Climate | Moderate conditions are best |
| Irrigation | Avoid over-watering |
14. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known for its medicinal and skincare properties. Cultivating Aloe Vera requires minimal maintenance and can provide a good source of income through the sale of aloe gel and related products. It’s also a wonderful garden plant.
Crop requirements
| Soil | Medium fertile heavy soils such as black cotton soils. |
| Soil ㏗ | Range up to 8.5 |
| Climate | Thrive in a wide range of temperatures but needs protection against frost |
| Irrigation | Irrigate during summer seasons |
Also Read- Is Aloe vera farming profitable?
15. Dragon fruit
Is a high-value fruit crop that is becoming prevalent in India due to its fleshy and juicy fruits. The fruit is now fetching prices of 200-250 Rs/kg. They are grown mainly as a commercial fruit plant and also as an ornamental plant. Dragon fruit an exotic fruit variety that was introduced in India. The plant requires minimal maintenance and has high demand in the Indian and International markets.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Sandy soils with good organic matter |
| Soil ㏗ | 5.5-7.0 |
| Climate | Tropical climate with a temperature range of 20-30℃ |
| Irrigation | Irrigation using drip irrigation technique |
Did you know? Dragon fruit helps in controlling diabetes.
16. Salicornia (Sea Asparagus)
Salicornia, also known as Sea Asparagus or Samphire, is a halophytic plant that thrives in saline environments. These plants are popular in North American and European countries as a nutritious delicacy. With the increasing interest in sustainable and nutritious crops, Salicornia cultivation can offer high returns, especially in coastal areas.
Crop requirements
| Soil | Sandy, loamy, and clayey soils |
| Soil ㏗ | Very alkaline and saline soils |
| Climate | Ideal temperature range of 10-20℃ |
| Irrigation | Frequent irrigations with saline water (sea water) |
17. Goji berries
The Goji plant is a thorny shrub that produces orange-red oval-shaped berries. China is the major cultivator of this plant. They can be grown in pots and containers in your homes. They are also known as Wolfberries and are known for their health benefits and antioxidant properties. The Goji plant is a low-investment high-profit crop if it is grown in regions suitable for its cultivation.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Well-drained sandy-loam soils |
| Soil ㏗ | 6.5-7.0 |
| Climate | Can withstand warm summers and cold winters |
| Irrigation | Avoid water logging, use a drip irrigation system |
18. Vanilla
Vanilla is one of the most sought-after and expensive flavorings in the world. It is one of the most precious culinary spices. While vanilla cultivation requires specific environmental conditions and careful management, its ability to fetch premium prices makes it a fruitful venture.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Humus rich laterite soil |
| Soil ㏗ | 5.0-9.0 |
| Climate | Humid tropical climate |
| Irrigation | Rainfall of 150-300 cm (over 9 months) is sufficient |
19. Artichokes
Artichokes are prized for their edible flower buds and have a high market value. Also known as ‘German turnip’ or ‘Cane truffle’ they have numerous health benefits. They help prevent cancers, good for heart health, and improve the overall body metabolism. Artichoke cultivation can be a lucrative venture if done under the right conditions.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Well-drained sandy, nitrogen-rich soil |
| Soil ㏗ | 6.0-6.8 |
| Climate | Mild winters and cool foggy summers |
| Irrigation | At least once a week according to external conditions. |
20. Pomegranate
is one of the most popular fruit crops on this list. Known as Anaar in the Hindi language, it is believed to be of Persian (Iran) origin. These red globe-shaped fruits encompass numerous health benefits. They have anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory properties, heart health benefits, digestive benefits, etc. These benefits make it one of the best commercial fruits that can be grown with a low initial investment.
Crop Requirements
| Soil | Deep heavy loam and well-drained soils |
| Soil ㏗ | Can tolerate saline and alkaline ㏗ |
| Climate | Cool winters and dry summers. |
| Irrigation | Irrigation is done at 4-day intervals |
Also Read
Conclusion
The main objective of this article was to show you the best low-investment crops that can be grown to produce high profits. But the important thing to note is that, although all these crops require low investments, many are climate and environment-specific. They thrive well in only a few environmental conditions. The farmers should carefully consider this. Proper research should be done before cultivating them on a commercial scale. It is better to experiment with their cultivation on a small scale initially. With a clear idea and the right management practices, these crops can reap huge profits.
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