Chennai’s urban farmer sets up low-cost microgreens unit; earns Rs 1 lakh monthly from 300 sq ft

After working in the social sector for almost three decades in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Vidydharan Narayanan realised he did not have much savings. In his fifties, he thought of doing something of his own, but nothing worked out. He started an NGO, which had to be shut down due to a lack of funds. He bought three cars for the rental business, but that too did not take off.

His in-laws had a farmland and he decided to take up farming there. “However, I was unhappy as it was inorganic farming using chemicals. I wanted to do organic farming, which did not seem feasible in that area as everyone around was using chemicals,” he tells 30Stades.

In 2014, his search for an organic farming business with low investment took him to microgreens – the first few leaves that emerge from seed after germination. 

They are harvested within seven to nine days, offering a concentrated source of nutrients and flavour.

Self-learned microgreens grower

Vidyadharan learnt everything on the internet and did not go for any training. “I bought some plastic trays, and vermicompost and put up three racks in a corner of my house. In all, it was a 25 sq ft area without any air conditioning. I invested around Rs5,000 in the whole setup,” he says.

He procured organic seeds from local shops and began with common microgreens like mustard, fenugreek, and broccoli.  The results were good and Vidyadharan sold the harvest to a nearby hotel.  

“I expanded to 100 sq ft within the house and continued at this level till 2017. I did not expand due to my health issues,” the 69-year-old urban farmer says.

Also Read: This man quit his high-paying MNC job to grow microgreens; clocks Rs12 lakh monthly turnover

It was in 2017 that Vidyadharan started buying organic seeds online and began growing four varieties of radish, beetroot, cabbage, cauliflower, and green tea apart from other varieties. He named his business Sakhi Microgreens.

How to start low-cost microgreens farming

“I built a green net shade over 300 sq ft. The total investment was under Rs 1 lakh.  There is no air conditioning or temperature control. The net is sufficient to protect the microgreens. So there is no expense on electricity at all,” he says.

Most urban farmers invest in a temperature-controlled indoor farming setup for microgreens, incurring high initial costs. “For those with low investment, greenhouse is a very profitable proposition. I recovered my investment in the first month itself,” Vidyadharan says.

Microgreens thrive in a temperature range of 15°C to 24°C. “Good airflow is crucial to prevent mould and other problems, so ensure adequate ventilation in your greenhouse. Microgreens are a low-light crop, and can grow well in a greenhouse with indirect sunlight,” he says. 

Also Read: How this teacher-cum-urban farmer built a successful microgreens business in Gujarat

He uses vermicompost as the growth medium unlike cocopeat used by most other growers. “Vermicompost is rich in micronutrients, making the greens healthier. Moreover, cocopeat has to be thrown away after use but vermicompost can be re-used in nurseries and gardens. I give it to friends,” he adds.

To reduce temperature, if required, one can use a fan in the greenhouse, which is much cheaper than ACs. “A greenhouse provides a controlled environment, protecting microgreens from extreme temperatures and pests, which are good for consistent growth,” he adds. 

The economics of microgreens

“After harvesting, the organic microgreens are packed in clamshell boxes and the buyers are local hotels and restaurants that use them in salads, sandwiches and other dishes,” Vidyadharan says.

The weekly production at Sakhi is around 15 kg (60 kg per month). “The price ranges from Rs1200 per kg to Rs3,000 per kg (for broccoli, beetroot etc),” he says.

The average rate is Rs1600 to Rs1700 per kg, resulting in a monthly income of Rs 1 lakh. He hires just one person, who comes to help him in harvesting in the morning. “The microgreens are harvested four times a week. I don’t need any permanent worker as there is not much work to do,” he says.

His advice to aspiring microgreen growers is to first find out the market for their production and then start cultivation. 

“Microgreens don’t have much shelf life. They are most nutritious within hours of harvest. After that, their value declines rapidly. So if you have to scramble for the market after cultivation, it will be loss-making,” he says.

Vidyadharan is now planning to expand to a bigger unit because the demand is high, investment is low and at 69, he enjoys being with tiny plants every day.

(US Anu is a Madurai-based writer. She specialises in stories around human interest, environment and art and culture.)

Also Read: Banker quits job to grow microgreens; earns Rs5 lakh monthly from just a 64 sq ft unit

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