Similar to the nation’s urban areas, rural areas also have numerous business opportunities to explore. Most of rural India contributes to the agricultural sector which further helps in the growth of the nation’s economy. To start businesses in villages, business owners do not need to worry much about strict regulations, detailed paperwork, high-end infrastructure, advanced equipment, etc.
People in villages either contribute to the agricultural industry or majorly are engaged in businesses related to the retail, services, livestock, trading and manufacturing sectors. Micro, small or medium-sized business owners in villages are not devoid of opportunities, as they have ample businesses to start, grow, expand and flourish. In this section, we shall be further discussing some of the leading small business ideas to start in rural areas.
1. Poultry Farming Business
Opening a poultry farm business does not require much money or much land. The only task is the rearing of small chickens for some weeks after which they can be sold off in the market or to wholesalers. Poultry farms require initial investment; however, returns are not instant. Therefore, it is recommended to start this business on a contractual basis. Poultry farm gives dual earnings of meat, as well as eggs at the same time.
Read: Poultry Farm Business Plan – How to Start a Poultry Business in India
2. Clothing Store/Boutique
Most of the villages are secluded from larger towns and cities, so if a clothing store opens in a village that provides people with the latest clothing apparel and quality fabric, it shall become a success. Business owners will need to find garment suppliers who can bring a variety of clothes based on commission. As villagers do not have much reach to travel to cities frequently; shall buy from the clothing store itself.
Read: Clothing Business Plan – How to Start Garment Business
3. Diagnostic Centre/Clinic
Like in urban cities, people living in villages or rural areas are also immune to catching diseases or getting ill. Basic healthcare facilities are provided by the Government with the help of dispensaries but still there always are requirements for specialised diagnostic centres that can provide treatment at the local level at lesser fees. Opening a diagnostic centre does not require much investment. The initial investment includes the centre’s rent, medicine cost and salary of staff along with valid certification.
4. Franchise for Packaged Drinking Water Business
Irrespective of whether people live in towns or villages, clean drinking water should be available for all. Villages are devoid of this because of a lack of infrastructure or water treatment plants. Freshwater from tube wells or hand pumps can be stored in large cans and further can be transported in vehicles to villagers at their doorstep. This convenience shall be charged per jar and can be a successful business idea.
5. Electronics & Accessories Store
Technology, communication and entertainment should not lag behind in villages, a majority of India’s populace comes from villages only. Even the thought of opening an electronics store in a small village is a huge success. Almost every villager wants to communicate with their families, so mobiles are a necessity now. Therefore, only the saleable mobiles could be kept in stock without making much investment in a good locality.
6. Fertilizers & Seeds Storage Store
Villages consist of farmers and farmers rely on agriculture. To earn their livelihood villagers must ensure that their crops are well irrigated and further sold at good prices. To make things easy for villagers, the business of opening a storage store of fertilizers and seeds can be of much interest. This business does not require much investment, as just the purchase of fertilizers and seeds with a store can make anyone run this business.
7. Fruits & Vegetables Vending Shop
This is the simplest and most common business for anyone and mostly for native villagers living in the same village. People interested can directly go to the wholesale market and purchase fruits and vegetables at lower rates and earn profits by selling them at a comparatively higher price in their village.
8. Grocery/Kirana Store
This business idea is widely explored by almost every segment of society. Every household in every village requires groceries. So, opening a ‘Kirana’ store is one of the simplest businesses in India. Reach out to suppliers of the products that are required to be sold, get a shop of rent and start this business right away.
9. Livestock Farming Business
Livestock farming means rearing goats, hens, and cows in which the cost of business includes the investment in form of animal purchase and feeding them. This type of rural business has provided profits to business owners.
Read: Agriculture Business Plan – How to Start Agriculture Business
10. Small Scale Manufacturing Unit
Small-scale manufacturing businesses include various types of products, including disposable paper plates, cups, paper bags and many more. Disposable products in today’s market are in high demand and the investment required to open this business is not much. Most of the money is invested in raw materials and related resources. So, people can start businesses and be a part of Small Scale Industries to avail benefits.
11. Milk Dairy Outlet
To start a milking centre, an individual needs to have contact with a dairy farm to do business. Milk centres basically collect milk from the villagers and sell it to dairy farms. Milk centres require little equipment to start a business that including weighing machines, billing software, etc. Weighing machines are required to measure the quantity of milk fat and other related products. As the rearing of cows and buffalos is common in villages, so milk diaries in villages can bring good earnings along with profits.
Read: Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) Objectives, Subsidy, Tenure
Businesses in rural areas and small villages of India are of great potential, as people just need to be more aware of the options and possibilities required to start a business. To start any type of business, interested applicants can apply for business loans, microloans, small business loans, term loans or working capital loans by comparing and choosing from various loan options available at competitive interest rates under single online web platform.
