Are you planning to settle in rural areas or villages in India and run a business? Well, there are many options you will have that could bring in more profits, thanks to government initiatives and advancement in terms of technology. Gone are the days, when villages in India lacked the infrastructure to build a business. Today, most of the people living in villages run successful businesses that are spread over cities. People from cities are considering settling in rural areas to set up a business.
Government initiatives are the major boosters for this reason. For instance, for farming purposes, the local government offers all the funds and equipment that help in growing crops and even selling the same. According to the report by 2025, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market in rural and semi-urban India is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.41% to reach US$100 billion.
Since over 70% of Indians reside in rural areas, you can succeed here by putting many small business ideas into practice. Additionally, startup chances for entrepreneurs in rural areas have been enhanced by the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” project. Starting a small business in a hamlet can give you an equal chance of making money and a healthy return on your investment, so there’s no need to move to a big city.
Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) and other government programs have facilitated rural entrepreneurs’ access to capital, as evidenced by the 23% rise in small company loans in the last 12 months.
This blog takes you through 10 + such business ideas you can consider when in a rural or village.
Top 10 + Business Ideas for Villages in India
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Producing Organic Vegetables
Lately, there have been many cases where farmers inject vaccinations that help in the quick growth of crops and vegetables. However, it causes fruits and vegetables to ripen before their time. As a result, there is a significantly greater demand for organic produce.
One of the best business ideas you can consider is to produce organic vegetables which are in high demand. If you have a large plot for farming, you can go ahead and invest in the same. According to the report by Market Research Future, India’s Organic Food Market Size was valued at USD 1.7 Billion in 2023. The organic food industry is projected to grow from USD 2.07 Billion in 2024 to USD 10.329 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.20% during the forecast period (2024 – 2032)
You can begin organic farming and sell your produce in the town market, where there is a great demand for it. Another option is to sell your goods directly to customers. If your business crosses the GST threshold, the best you can do is invest in a GST billing software for seamless process..
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Poultry Farm
You don’t need to have a large area to start a poultry farm. This business is quite easy to establish, either alone or with the assistance of others. Small chickens must be raised to a specific age before they may be sold.
You can begin this business by entering a contract with a vendor. The chicken, their food, and everything else would be given to you; all you would need to do is raise the chickens for a particular number of months or until they reach a certain weight.
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Fishery Farm
The fishing industry is quite like poultry farming. This is not an easy industry, so you need to understand a little about it. To operate a fishing business, you need enough land or in some cases even mid-size boats to catch fish in the middle of the sea or river. Since a single error might result in a significant loss, you must exercise extreme caution in this line of work.
The entire pond’s fish can be ruined by the illness of one fish or by an infected fish. As a result, you must exercise extreme caution in this industry. If there aren’t many fish, you can sell them directly in the market; if there are many, you can also export them.
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Raw Milk Centre
If you have a cow or buffalo, you can open your milk centre. Also, you can open a franchise of milk company. Amul and Nandini are the two preferred brands considered to run a franchise. There are some tools you will need. The weighing machine, the machine to measure the quality of milk fat, the refrigerator, and other equipment must be kept in a suitable location. If you are running a franchise, then you will need a refrigerator to store milk.
Maintaining accounts register and performing simple calculations require some fundamental skills. To keep your accounts error-free, you can use online accounting software.
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Beekeeping
Beekeeping is a lucrative business idea to run in a village or rural area. To produce honey, beeswax, and other goods, bee colonies must be maintained. Beekeeping can be integrated with other agricultural pursuits and takes up very little area. Start by investing in a few bee colonies and beekeeping supplies. Make sure the bees can access flowers, and keep their hives clean on a regular basis.
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Retail Shop
There is a high demand for retail shops in villages or rural areas. From grocery/Kirana stores, clothing shops, mobile accessories shops, hardware stores, etc. Other than this, you will have the option to open a saloon, a tailoring store, or any specific store. Another small rural business concept is a clothes store. It’s a misconception that individuals in rural areas don’t care about wearing high-end apparel. Since there are no clothing stores in the area, they don’t wear these garments.
Your business will expand greatly if you create a clothes store with a large assortment that everyone will wear on special occasions and throughout the holidays.
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Herbal Farming
Growing medical plants and herbs, which are highly sought-after for their health advantages, is known as herbal farming. Since there is an abundance of land and natural resources in rural areas, it’s one of the best business ideas you can go ahead. Moreover, in rural areas, people largely prefer using herbal products than chemical related ones.
Start by choosing the appropriate herbs, which are widely used and offer therapeutic benefits, particularly in India’s rural areas. Make sure the soil is prepared, planted, and maintained properly. Herbs like lavender, mint, and basil can be quite profitable.
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Fertilizers & Seeds Storage
Before implementing your small-scale business plan, you must understand the necessities of your target market. Farmers in rural areas sometimes go to large cities and towns to purchase pesticides and fertilizers. Therefore, you can start a business and improve the lives of the locals if you can build a facility to store fertilizers and pesticides.
Anyone may start this small-scale business venture in a hamlet with just seeds and fertilizer from a store, so it doesn’t require a lot of money.
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Bamboo Products
One of the small and medium-sized enterprises in communities is the sustainable production and sale of goods made from bamboo. Due to its versatility, bamboo may be used to make a wide range of goods, including crafts, decor pieces, kitchenware, and furniture.
Find high-quality bamboo and become knowledgeable about the required crafting methods first. Concentrate on producing superior, eco-friendly goods that appeal to customers who care about the environment.
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Agro-Tourism
Another popular business idea to run a rural area is the blend of agriculture and tourism to provide visitors with farm stays and activities. The Agro-tourism business involves farm tours, animal feeding, crop picking, and interactive activities like preparing farm-fresh meals, you can give guests a distinctive taste of rural living. Provide cozy accommodation and encourage a calm and instructive atmosphere. Families, educational institutions, and eco-tourists seeking a genuine rural experience may be drawn to this.
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Food Processing
For villages and rural communities, producing and selling jams, pickles, sauces, and snacks is a lucrative business venture. Fruits and vegetables that are growing nearby can be used to make delectable homemade goods.
Start by becoming knowledgeable about appropriate food processing methods and making sure you adhere to safety and health regulations. Your items may stand out in the marketplace with attractive labelling and packaging. Sell your goods online, at local markets, and in physical stores.
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Carpentry and Furniture Making
One of the most lucrative small business opportunities in rural areas is the construction and sale of wooden furniture. Custom furniture can be made, including beds, tables, chairs, and cupboards.
Begin by assembling a workshop with the necessary woodworking equipment and locating high-quality wood. To draw clients, emphasize artistry and distinctive designs. You can sell to both individuals and offices online or directly.
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Beauty Salon
One of the profitable businesses in rural areas is offering grooming and beauty services. You can offer a variety of services, including makeup applications, pedicures, facials, and haircuts. Establishing a beauty salon necessitates employing qualified experts and making investments in high-quality supplies and machinery.
More clients will come in if you create a calm and friendly environment. Use word-of-mouth and local advertising to promote your salon.
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Pharmacy
Establishing a pharmacy in a remote location is a crucial business concept that will supply the locals with necessary pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. Keep a large supply of personal care products, health supplements, and prescription and over-the-counter medications on hand. Make sure your pharmacy complies with all legal regulations and upholds strict standards for cleanliness and client care. To improve your services, teach clients how to take their medications correctly and provide health advice.
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Mushroom Farming
Due to its comparatively modest investment and space requirements, mushroom farming is an excellent business concept for rural locations. You can grow many kinds of mushrooms, including button, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms. Start by having a regulated space with the ideal humidity, temperature, and ventilation first. To guarantee a good yield, use high-quality spawn and substrate.
To serve local markets and dining establishments, mushrooms can be sold fresh or processed into goods like powdered or dried mushrooms.
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Nursery and Gardening Supplies
When you drive through highways, you will come across many open nurseries and gardening shops which is a good business option. In communities, selling plants, seeds, and gardening equipment is a contemporary business concept. By providing a range of plants, seeds, fertilizers, and tools, you can satisfy the expanding demand for home gardening. Establish a welcoming nursery area where clients can peruse various plant selections.
To increase client happiness, you can engage in offering knowledgeable guidance on plant care and gardening methods. Gardening enthusiasts might be drawn to your nursery by using social media and local advertising.
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Transportation Services
Many of the rural areas in India still face better transportation issues. This creates problems for people going to work and school children. So, starting a transportation business is the best investment. Start by purchasing automobiles that are appropriate for both passenger and freight transportation; in India’s rural areas, this may be a very profitable enterprise. Provide services including school transport, cab trips and groceries, packages and other critical deliveries. To gain the trust of your clients, establish a reputation for being safe and on time. Use social media and local advertising to market your services.
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Address Verification Service
For loans, credit cards, and other services, many businesses, including banks, demand address verifications. This would be your best business to open in rural areas if you want to launch a business on a shoestring. You may not even need an office to run the business. You can collaborate with some businesses and, if necessary, hire assistance. For this, a Google map would be quite beneficial.
Also Read: List of Profitable Business Ideas for MSME
Conclusion
Like these, there are many other options to open a business in rural areas. If you’ve always wanted to launch your own company, now is the moment to do it. There is something for everyone, regardless of whether you quit your 9–5 job or launch a side business. Your interests, skill set, and available resources will all influence the type of business you choose. Moreover, for every type of business, you have services available.
Like if you want to have a tool to manage your billing, accounting, or GST, you will find the respective software. Using the right GST billing software will help you to have an organized business with the right track on your inventory and other aspects.
