Five microgreens entrepreneurs who started in 100 sq ft and now earn lakhs monthly

Microgreens cultivation is gaining popularity across India due to its increasing demand, low space requirements and a potential for high-income generation. Minimal space requirements make it a lucrative option for urban farmers who face space constraints. Since microgreens can be grown indoors in vertically stacked trays, a little space can give high production.

Most entrepreneurs and experts recommend starting microgreens farming in a space of 100 sq ft and scaling it up depending on the demand. Since they can be harvested within 7 to 10 days of sprouting, they allow for multiple harvests and quick returns on investment. 

Moreover, the initial investment for microgreen farming is significantly lower compared to traditional agriculture, making it accessible to a wider range of growers.

Most people invest Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for the initial set-up, given the easy availability of grow trays, lights and organic seeds. 

The global microgreens market stood at 1.8 billion dollars in 2022. It is estimated to reach 2.6 billion dollars by 2031 at a CAGR of 11.1 percent, according to Straits Research.

Microgreens are packed with 40 times more nutrients than traditional greens and are a storehouse of vitamins and antioxidants, making them a health-conscious food choice. Here are five microgreens entrepreneurs who started small and made it big:

1. Mohit Nijhawan, Chandigarh

Mohit quit his MNC job in 2020 to grow organic microgreens after seeing many cancer cases closely. He began with 3 racks in a 9 sq ft area in Chandigarh and now makes a monthly profit of Rs4.8 lakh. He also gives training in microgreens cultivation. 

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

2. Ajay Gopinath, Kerala

Ajay Gopinath quit Citigroup in 2020 to grow organic microgreens at his house in Kochi, Kerala. His unit is spread over just 64 sq ft and he earns Rs5 lakh monthly from sales to gyms, hospitals, hotels and retail buyers. He also helps agri-entrepreneurs across India set up indoor farming units.

Here’s the story of this urban farmer: Banker quits job to grow microgreens; earns Rs5 lakh monthly from just a 64 sq ft room

3. Aditi Mali, Gujarat

Aditi Mali, a teacher, set up Mali Greens in 50 sq ft in 2021 to familiarize her students with farming. Now one of the biggest producers of organic microgreens in Gujarat, the venture is growing at 150% annually. Mali Greens supplies its produce to top hotels, wholesalers and subscribers.

Here’s her story: How this teacher-cum-urban farmer built a successful microgreens business in Gujarat

4. Vidydharan Narayanan, Tamil Nadu

Vidydharan Narayanan began microgreens cultivation on his small balcony. With rising demand, he set up a low-cost greenhouse unit to cultivate organic microgreens. He invested less than Rs1 lakh in the 300 sq ft setup, which yields a monthly turnover of over Rs 1 lakh and a profit of more than Rs 60,000 due to low operating expenses.

Read the detailed of this agripreneur here: Chennai’s urban farmer sets up low-cost microgreens unit; earns Rs 1 lakh monthly from 300 sq ft

5. Basil Varghese, Anurag Mohan and Mohammed Razin, Kerala

Basil, Anurag and Mohammed have created a cost-effective model for microgreens cultivation in 100 sq ft. Their Kerala-based startup Mikrogrenz focuses on creating microgreens entrepreneurs who can grow nutrient-dense seedlings indoors and supply them locally. They sell their produce to local buyers.

Here’s their story: These three friends help people set up microgreens units with just Rs 70,000 investment

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