How to Start Your Own Promising Microgreens Business
Are you dreaming of a profession that’s green, sustainable, and wildly profitable? You’re not alone. More and more Indians are ditching conventional jobs for the promise of urban agriculture, and one of the most lucrative niches right now is microgreens farming.
Take Mohit Nijhawan, for example. He left his ₹90 lakh-per-year job in the pharmaceutical industry to follow his passion. Today, his microgreens business earns ₹1.44 crore annually, with a net profit of ₹60 lakh. That’s not just a career switch—it’s a life upgrade.
So, if you’re looking to dive into a side hustle or start a full-time venture, here’s your ultimate 2,000-word guide to building a successful microgreens business from scratch.
🌱 What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young, edible seedlings of vegetables and herbs, harvested just after they develop their first true leaves. Don’t confuse them with sprouts—they’re different. Microgreens are grown in soil or hydroponic media, and they’re typically more flavorful and nutritious.
➕ Health Benefits of Microgreens
- Contain 4–40 times more and better nutrients than mature vegetables.
- Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Excellent for improving immunity, skin health, and digestion.
- Low in calories and great for weight loss diets.
Popular microgreen types include:
- Radish
- Sunflower
- Broccoli
- Cilantro
- Pea shoots
- Wheatgrass
- Mustard
- Red Cabbage
They’re used by:
- Health-conscious individuals
- Restaurants and cafes
- Organic grocery stores
- Fitness centers and juice bars
💼 Why Microgreens Business is a Goldmine
The global microgreens market is growing at a CAGR of 7.5%, and in India, urban farming is gaining traction thanks to rising health awareness and demand for organic produce.
✅ Key Benefits:
- Low startup cost (can begin with ₹15,000–₹25,000)
- Fast turnaround (7–21 days)
- Scalable from home kitchen to commercial greenhouse
- High profit margin (up to 70%)
- Eco-friendly and requires minimal resources
🔍 Real Example:
Mohit Nijhawan started in a small setup with just a few trays. He grew microgreens in his home and sold them through social media and direct contacts. Within months, he scaled up and now serves hundreds of customers—proving that passion + persistence = profit.
🧾 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start a Microgreens Business in India
Let’s break this down into actionable steps:
1. Market Research & Planning
Start by comprehending your audience and local market. Ask:
- Who will buy my microgreens?
- What are the popular varieties in my area?
- Are there local restaurants, gyms, or wellness centers that can become clients?
Pro Tip: Start small, test the market, then scale up based on demand.
2. Choose Your Microgreens Varieties
Begin with easy, fast-growing types:
- Radish (spicy, colorful)
- Sunflower (crunchy texture)
- Pea shoots (sweet and tender)
- Mustard (peppery and flavorful)
Once you gain experience, you can experiment with niche varieties like amaranth, basil, and red cabbage.
3. Setup Your Growing Space
You don’t need a farm—just a small area with sunlight or artificial lights. Here’s what you need:
🛠️ Equipment List:
- Trays (₹200–₹300 each)
- Coco peat or hydroponic mats
- Spray bottle or misting system
- Grow lights (if indoors)
- Shelving/racks to save space
Even a 4×4 ft balcony can yield a decent income with vertical stacking.
4. Get Quality Seeds & Growing Medium
Always go for organic, untreated, non-GMO seeds. Microgreens need special care, and poor-quality seeds can result in mold or low yield.
Best Growing Mediums:
- Coco coir (affordable, clean)
- Vermiculite
- Hydroponic fiber mats
- Organic potting mix
5. Planting, Watering & Lighting
🌱 Planting:
- Soak seeds (some types like sunflower, pea, and beet) for 8–12 hours before planting.
- Spread evenly on the growing medium.
- Cover for the first 2–3 days to allow germination.
💧 Watering:
- Mist twice daily—don’t overwater.
- Avoid stagnant water to prevent mold.
💡 Lighting:
- Use 12–16 hours/day of daylight or grow lights.
- Maintain room temperature between 18–24°C.
6. Harvesting & Packaging
- Harvest with clean scissors or knives once the first actual leaves emerge.
- Avoid washing them unless you’re selling immediately.
- Pack in food-grade clamshell containers or vacuum-sealed pouches.
- Store at 2–5°C for freshness.
Tip: Add labels highlighting:
- “Locally Grown”
- “No Chemicals Used”
- “High in Nutrients”
📦 How to Sell Microgreens: Online & Offline
Selling is just as important as growing. Here’s where and how you can market your greens:
📍 Local Sales:
- Farmers Markets
- Organic Stores
- Restaurants and cafes
- Local gyms, wellness centers, yoga studios
🌐 Online Sales:
- Instagram/Facebook marketing
- WhatsApp groups
- Your own D2C website
- Listing on marketplaces like Amazon, BigBasket, UrbanKisaan, Blinkit, Swigy, Zamato, etc.
🧠 Branding Tips:
- Create a brand name (e.g., GreenBite Microgreens)
- Share educational content: health benefits, recipes, usage tips
- Offer sample boxes and subscription models
💰 Cost & Profit Analysis
| Expense | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Seeds (initial stock) | ₹5,000 |
| Trays & grow media | ₹10,000 |
| Lights & racks (optional) | ₹7,000 |
| Packaging & stickers | ₹3,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹5,000 |
| Total Initial Setup | ₹30,000–₹50,000 |
💸 Monthly Revenue Potential:
| Scale | Revenue/month | Profit/month |
|---|---|---|
| Home setup (20 trays) | ₹40,000 | ₹20,000–₹25,000 |
| Medium (50–100 trays) | ₹1–2 lakh | ₹60,000–₹1 lakh |
| Commercial scale | ₹3–5 lakh | ₹1.5–2.5 lakh |
🚀 Scaling Your Business
Once you’re stable, consider expanding into:
- Workshops & training courses
- Franchising
- Microgreens smoothie kits
- B2B supply to restaurants and hotels
- Export (with FSSAI + APEDA licensing)
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-quality seeds
- Overwatering or poor ventilation
- Ignoring branding and packaging
- Pricing too low—undervaluing your effort
- Poor hygiene—always maintain food safety standards
🔧 Licenses & Certifications (Optional but Recommended)
- FSSAI registration (for food businesses)
- Udyam/MSME registration (for subsidies & schemes)
- GST registration (if turnover > ₹20 lakh)
- Startup India registration (for benefits and funding)
📈 Case Study: Mohit Nijhawan’s Journey
Before:
- Corporate career in pharmaceuticals, earning ₹90 LPA
- Burnout from corporate pressure
The Switch:
- Discovered microgreens via a sustainability webinar
- Invested ₹50,000 initially
After:
- Now earns ₹1.44 crore/year
- ₹60 lakh net profit
- Conducts urban farming training sessions
- Lives a healthier and more meaningful life
🔚 Final Thoughts: Why Microgreens Are Your Next Big Move
The microgreens business is more than just farming—it’s a movement. You’re not only growing plants; you’re cultivating wellness, sustainability, and entrepreneurial freedom.
You can start with:
- A few trays
- Quality seeds
- A balcony or room corner
With passion, smart marketing, and consistent quality, your microgreens business can grow into a six or even seven-figure venture—just like Mohit’s.
💬 Tell Us: Ready to Go Green?
Are you planning to start your microgreens business? Drop your questions or experiences in the comments below 👇
Loved this article? Share it on WhatsApp or Twitter and inspire others to go green!
❓FAQs About Microgreens Business
Q1. How long does it take to harvest microgreens?
A: Most microgreens are ready in 7–21 days, depending on the variety.
Q2. Can I grow microgreens without sunlight?
A: Yes, use LED grow lights for 12–16 hours daily in indoor setups.
Q3. What’s the best growing medium?
A: Coco coir is widely used in India—affordable, clean, and retains moisture well.
Q4. Is there a risk of mold?
A: Only if the space is poorly ventilated or overwatered. Ensure airflow and balanced watering.
Q5. Do I need a license to sell microgreens?
A: For local sales, no. For scaling to retail or export, FSSAI registration is recommended.
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