How to Start Agriculture Business: Types, Stats, Oppo. & Steps

How to Start agriculture business in india 2025

If you want to start an your agriculture business in India, this quick guide for you!

India’s agriculture sector is now becoming one of the strongest sectors for modern entrepreneurship.

With the advancement of technology, increasing demand for organic food, and a move towards sustainable living, there is an increasing number of agriculture business opportunities that are both profitable and future-ready.

Key Highlights:

  • Economic Contribution: The agriculture sector contributes 18.2% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides livelihood support to about 42.3% of the population. ​
  • Organic Food Market Growth: India’s organic food market reached $1,917.4 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.13% during 2025-2033, aiming to reach $10,807.9 million by 2033. ​
  • Government Initiatives: The Indian government has allocated Rs. 1.52 lakh crore (approximately $18.26 billion) in the Union Budget 2024-25. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund are aimed at enhancing irrigation and infrastructure. ​

So what does this all mean for you?

It means starting an agriculture business is no longer just about growing or selling crop. It’s about building smart businesses – like starting an organic farm, opening a dairy or livestock business, selling seeds or fertilizers through dealerships, or investing in agri-tech startups.

how to start agricultural business

Even if you don’t want to start from scratch, you can buy a running agri-business, invest in farmland, or take a franchise in the agriculture sector. There are so many ways to enter—and grow—in this field.

If you’ve ever thought, “How to start a farming business in India?” or “Is agriculture profitable in India?”—you’re not alone. And the timing couldn’t be better.

Types of Agricultural Business Opportunities

Today, agriculture industry is more than just farming; it is a growing sector filled with different agriculture business opportunities in India. Whether you want to get yourself directly involved in farming or want to manage things from an office, there’s a place for everyone.

From trading and processing to dairy and smart farming, there are several business opportunities in the agriculture sector in India that you can explore.

Let’s go through some popular types of agri businesses that you can start from scratch, invest in or buy an already running profitable agriculture business in the market.

1. Agri Dealers, Distributors & Trading

One of the most common and easiest ways to start an agriculture business is by becoming a dealer or distributor of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, tools, or even farm produce. You can also become an agri-commodity trader and help farmers sell their crops in wholesale markets or export them. 

You can tie up with established agri brands to become an authorized distributor or dealership in your region. If you’re interested in trading, connect with farmer groups or mandis and start as a middleman.

Alternatively, you can explore existing agriculture dealership opportunities across India to to save time and effort in your success journey.

2. Agriculture Manufacturing & Processing

Processing raw crops into finished or semi-finished products — like flour, oil, spice mixes, or packaged pulses; is a strong agriculture startup idea in India with high scalability.

You can set up a small unit with basic equipment like grinders, sorters, and packing machines, or even start with just packaging and branding.

Another easier route is to acquire or partner with an existing processing unit that already has sourcing and distribution in place.

Platforms like IndiaBizForSale consist of 40+ agriculture processing business opportunities across India, so you don’t always have to start from scratch.

3. Dairy Business Opportunities

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, ghee, and meat products are always in demand. Starting a dairy business or a livestock business (like goat or poultry farming) can be profitable, particularly in rural or semi-urban areas.  

If you want to know how to start a cattle farming business, you can begin small and grow gradually, or purchase an existing business through online platforms like IndiaBizForSale which has 71+ dairy business for sale.

4. Land, Farm & Estate

Investing in agriculture farm land, especially for organic or high-value crops, is gaining popularity. Agri-tourism, farm stays, or renting farms for events and workshops can also be profitable agriculture business opportunities in India.

You can buy agricultural land and develop it, or can also acquire an existing farm land which is on sale in your preferred area. Platforms like IndiaBizForSale can help you find more than 32 agriculture or farm lands available for sale across India. 

5. Agri Tools & Machinery

This involves selling or renting tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps, and other types of agricultural equipment to farmers or others involved in agribusiness. You can also offer repair and maintenance services.

To start, you can collaborate with dealers of agricultural equipment or machinery, or invest in an agri-machinery rental business that’s already working well in your region.

If you’re thinking about buying an existing business, you can check here.

6. Fertilizers & Pesticides

This involves dealing in plant protection products, crop nutrition solutions, and organic soil enhancers — important items for every farm.

This business is highly profitable as fertilizers and pesticides are necessary products to protect the crops and plants. 

Get licensed as a dealer, partner with brands, or step into a business that already has local customers and vendors. 11+ agriculture fertilizers and pesticides businesses are open for new partnerships or exit.

7. Livestock & Fishing

Poultry farms, goat farms, fishery ponds, and other types of livestock farming are highly profitable and scalable agriculture business opportunities in India.

You can begin with a small setup or invest in a ready-to-run poultry or fish farm. Or, there are 20+ fishing and livestock business opportunities available in India which are already licensed, staffed, and generating income; perfect for those who do not want to start from scratch.

8. Other Agriculture Business Opportunities

Newer businesses like mushroom cultivation, aloevera farming, beekeeping, or organic kitchen gardens are becoming popular nowadays due to higher returns in smaller spaces.

Learn the basics, build a pilot model, or explore existing projects with proper systems already in place. Many innovative agri startups are already running and can be a smart choice to invest in or expand by acquiring them.

How to Start Agriculture Business in India – 7 Proven Steps

Starting an agriculture business in India doesn’t always mean you need to own a big farm or heavy equipment. You can start small, work smart, and grow big over time.

If you’re looking to start your own agricultural business from scratch, here are the steps to get started:

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

First, decide what kind of agriculture business you are interested in. Some popular options include:

  • Organic farming (vegetables, fruits, grains)
  • Dairy or poultry farming
  • Agriculture dealership (seeds, fertilizers, tools)
  • Agri-processing (like making jams, pickles, juices)
  • Agritech startups (apps or services for farmers)
  • Agriculture franchise opportunities

Choose something that matches your interest, budget, experience, and local demand.

Step 2: Do Market Research

Before investing your time and money, do some market research, which means understanding the local market, competition, and investment requirements.

You can check platforms like agricoop.gov.in or APEDA for data and market trends.

Tip: Talk to farmers, shop owners of the agribusiness you decided on, or industry experts. If possible, visit nearby markets or mandis.

Step 3: Prepare Land or Facilities

Depending on your agribusiness, whether it be cattle farming, poultry farming, greenhouse facility, contract farming, or any other agriculture business, you will need land or space to operate your business. 

Step 4: Register Your Business & Get Licenses

Register your business as a proprietor, partnership, or private limited company. You will also have to apply for licenses based on your business type, such as FSSAI for food, GST, agri dealership licenses, etc.

Step 5: Organize Capital or Funding

You can begin small using your own capital or seek government subsidies, bank loans, or even private investors that are available on various online platforms like Indiabizforsale.

Step 6: Build a Small Team

You’ll need a team to start your business in the agriculture industry—either skilled labor for farming or technical staff if you’re starting an agri startup.

If you’re doing dairy, poultry, or greenhouse farming, hire people who already have experience.

You can also bring in partners or co-founders who add value to your business.

Step 7: Market Your Products or Services

Build trust locally — through word of mouth, farmer tie-ups, or social media. You can even get listed on agriculture marketplaces or WhatsApp groups to attract early buyers.

Expert Tip:

Not everybody has the time and means to start from scratch. That is why entrepreneurs are choosing to purchase already running agri-businesses that are listed on reliable business platforms.

Such businesses come with land, licenses, and a working customer base, making it easier to grow from Day 1.

Modern Approach of Starting a AgriBusiness in India

Old is Gold but changing with time is nececity.

If you do not want the struggle of starting from scratch and want to start earning from Day 1, then investing in or acquiring an existing agricultural business can be a smart move.

Across India, there are 260+ agriculture businesses up for sale or investment — including dairy farms, food processing businesses, trading firms, farm estates, and much more.

These businesses often come with ready infrastructure, existing customers, and experienced staff, making it easier for you to step in and grow.

Whether you’re based in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, or any other part of the country, there’s likely an opportunity waiting for you.

To make it easier for you, we have created a state wise list of agriculture-related businesses that are available for investment or acquisition:

  1. 12+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh
  2. 2+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Assam
  3. 3+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Bihar
  4. 3+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Delhi
  5. 16+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Gujarat
  6. 5+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Haryana
  7. 3+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Himachal Pradesh
  8. 1+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Jharkhand
  9. 33+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Karnataka
  10. 13+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Kerala
  11. 10+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh
  12. 46+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Maharashtra
  13. 5+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Orissa
  14. 1+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Andaman Nicobar
  15. 3+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Punjab
  16. 8+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Rajasthan
  17. 36+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Tamil Nadu
  18. 13+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Uttar Pradesh
  19. 3+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Uttarakhand
  20. 7+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in West Bengal
  21. 2+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir
  22. 1+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Tripura
  23. 27+ Agriculture Business Opportunities in Telangana

Franchise and Dealership Opportunities in Agri Sector

This is not a new concept. it’s working since decades, adopted by most of the brands.

Taking franchise from the well known brand is a great choice if you want sustainable income with minimum risks.

Why it works:

You get to leverage the reputation of an established brand, their supply chain, training, and customer loyalty— while developing your business on a local basis. It’s like having your own business, but with the path already mapped out for you.

Examples of Popular Agri Dealership & Franchise Models:

  • Fertilizer & Pesticide Dealerships: Rural and small town areas always require these in large quantities.
  • Seed & Agri Equipment Dealerships: With advancing modern agriculture, high-quality seeds and equipment have become important. 
  • Organic Food Retail Chains: As urban demand is increasing, organic food chains are gaining momentum in cities.
  • Agri Service Centers: Help farmers with multiple services such as soil testing, renting equipment, or farm guidance, all in one place.

You don’t have to invent the wheel; you can begin by joining a trusted brand or buying an existing dealership.

Online business matchmaking platforms including IndiaBizForSale is just for you to find the right franchise opportunity from the reputed brand with your preferences (like location, budget, industry etc.,) across India in agriculture and agribusiness, making it easier to find out what works best for your business objectives.

Whether you’re from an agricultural background or just starting out, franchise and dealership models allow you to start with less risk and faster returns.

Why I put a weight on IndiaBizForSale for Agri Business Opportunities

If you’re planning to step into the agriculture business in India, whether by starting something new or taking over an existing setup, having access to the right opportunities matters a lot.

  • As of 2025, there are 13,000+ businesses from 205+ different industries are listed at IndiaBizForSale platform which are seeking funding or exit.
  • On the other side, 43,000+ professionals like YOU created their profile to connect with right business opportunities directly.
  • The best part? 1000+ Deals already closed via IndiaBizForSale platform

So, You can trust the platform to start or grow your business journey.

IndiaBizForSale makes that search easier. It’s a bridge where people from across India list genuine, running businesses in agriculture and related sectors and others looking to invest, buy, or partner can explore these options.

  • Running Agri-Businesses available for sale or investment across categories like dairy, organic farming, poultry, agri-processing, and more
  • Franchise & Dealership Opportunities in fertilizers, agri-tools, organic products, etc.
  • Verified Farmland Listings for sale in different states
  • Agri Startups that are looking for investors or strategic partners
  • Livestock & Dairy Businesses already operating and available to take over

Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or someone looking to expand your portfolio in the agriculture space, IndiaBizForSale helps you explore options that are already up and profitable, saving you time, effort, and guesswork.

It’s not just a listings platform — it’s a gateway to real, practical opportunities in Indian agriculture.

Let’s get started….

India’s agriculture sector is no longer just about farming, it’s a growing space full of exciting business possibilities.

From trading and dealership to dairy, organic food, agri-processing, and even farmland investment there’s something for everyone.

With changing consumer habits, government support, and new-age tech entering the field, it’s the right time to explore agriculture not just as a profession but as a powerful business opportunity.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or considering taking over an existing business, the opportunities are real and growing.

With platforms like IndiaBizForSale, you can explore verified businesses, franchises, or land options across India and take your first step into agri-entrepreneurship with confidence.

The future of agriculture in India isn’t just green, it’s smart, scalable, and full of potential.

Best of Luck!

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