Best Business Ideas in Rular Areas, Villages, Small Towns in India

In today’s dynamic environment, the desire to own a business is a prevailing dream for many. The allure of entrepreneurship is not merely about financial success and financial independence; it is a journey toward personal growth and innovation.

To promote and encourage entrepreneurs, the government initiative, Atmanirbhar Bharat was launched by the government. It aims to foster economic self-reliance, reduce dependency on foreign goods, and strengthen India's economic resilience. This initiative is not just for big-city folks but also for those in small towns and villages. In the diverse landscape of our nation, more than 70% of our population resides in villages and rural areas, which paints a compelling picture of the untapped potential that entrepreneurship holds in these often neglected corners of our country.

Starting a small business in a village has various advantages, making it an ideal option for businesses. Villages, which are rich in organic resources, offer a readily available and accessible supply of raw materials and labour. Villages are frequently considered cleaner and more sustainable due to their lower population density and industrialization levels. This, along with the reduced cost of manufacturing in rural locations, enables businesses to sell their products competitively at city-level rates, increasing profitability.

Additional Read: Small Business Ideas

Let's talk about some unique village business ideas for small towns in India for those who are interested in tapping into these opportunities.

List of small business ideas for rural area

1 – Organic farming of fruits, vegetables and grains

A clean diet has been an increasingly talked about topic of conversation amongst the population of India. Organic farming practices prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability, resulting in crops that are rich in nutrients. Numerous studies have indicated that organic fruits and vegetables have greater quantities of necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than traditionally grown crops. No wonder it is one of the most pursued business ideas in rural areas.

In a country like India, which uses pesticides in more than 40% of the total cultivated area, producing fruits, vegetables, and grains organically could be advantageous to many. In fact, organic farming could even be more profitable as compared to traditional farming using pesticides, where the cost of production and labour can be offset by higher market prices of organic products, due to the large demand for organic products.

However, it is important to remember these goods are perishable and therefore need to be sold off into the market immediately to maintain quality. To do this, you will need to be equipped by setting up contacts and maybe even cutting out the middlemen to become a direct supplier yourself.

2 – Opening a Dairy/ Milk Centre

Cattle rearing is a very common practice in rural areas and villages. Opening a dairy farm could be considered an all-season opportunity since there is a consistently high demand for milk and milk products in India. To do so, it is necessary to establish contact with a dairy farm and form a partnership with them and become a supplier for their products.

Furthermore, the partnership model enables entrepreneurs to source products at a competitive rate, establishing a cost advantage that can be passed on to the consumer. This not only fosters affordability but also allows for the incorporation of a high-profit margin, ensuring a sustainable and profitable business. So if you have exhausted your thinking power and are looking for the best business ideas in the village, this could be one.

3 – Opening a Kirana Store

In the very core of a rural environment, where interpersonal relationships are strong and traditions run deep, the Kirana store, with its personalised service captures the essence of rural living. In rural locations that have inadequate transportation infrastructure, having a small store with all the daily essentials within walking distance is quite advantageous to all members of the community.

The Kirana store fulfills essentials for daily use, making it a recession-resistant venture, and, naturally one among the great business ideas in rural areas. People demand everyday necessities regardless of the economic condition, and therefore, entrepreneurs who own these types of businesses help communities by offering a stable supply of essential items.

4 – Starting a Flour Mill

The development of a flour mill appears to be a potential investment for entrepreneurs seeking feasibility and profitability. In remote regions, flour mills have an abundance of grains waiting to be converted into basic staples.

A flour mill is multipurpose beyond wheat, allowing businesses to grind corn, oats, barley, sorghum and even spices like turmeric and chilli. Diversifying the product range opens up business to a whole range of consumers and helps expand the market reach, making the business more adaptable to variations in demand of any specific product.

Entrepreneurs that are interested in this venture don't just satisfy the local need for freshly ground flour and other grains, but also serve as drivers of economic growth, regional food security, and job creation.

5 – Opening a factory for small scale manufacturing

One of the key benefits of establishing a small-scale manufacturing facility in a rural area is the easy access to local resources and raw materials. Entrepreneurs can use agricultural goods, natural minerals, or other region-specific materials for manufacture, reducing transportation costs and establishing a sustainable supply chain. The factory becomes an employment hub, creating work possibilities for the surrounding community. This not only lowers unemployment rates, but also promotes skill development and higher household incomes.

Governments are often providing incentives and assistance for industrial projects in rural regions. Entrepreneurs could look into various types of grants, subsidies, and tax breaks that support the setting up of such manufacturing facilities, making it a financially feasible and appealing prospect. While the possibilities are encouraging, entrepreneurs should be aware of the various obstacles such as restricted availability to trained labour, significant infrastructure shortages, and market penetration barriers.

Some of these products could be –

• Packaging products unit
• Soap and detergent manufacturing
• Disposable bags
• Spice processing unit
• Handloom and textile manufacturing
• Woodworking and handcrafted furniture
• Handicrafts manufacturing
• Bakery or snacks manufacturing

What are the benefits of rural business ideas?

Here are some benefits associated with opening up businesses in rural areas:

• Economic Growth: Rural businesses encourage the growth of local economies by creating jobs and increasing income levels.
• Community Development: These ventures help immensely in contributing to overall community development by improving infrastructure and quality of life.
• Employment Generation: They are considered as significant sources of employment, thereby reducing unemployment rates and providing livelihood opportunities.
• Empowerment of Rural Population: They empower rural communities by creating self-reliance and reducing dependency on urban areas.
• Preservation of Rural Culture: Most often overlooked aspect is that these businesses can help preserve traditional skills and knowledge.
• Alignment with Government Initiatives: Many rural business ideas align with government programs like Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting self-reliance and sustainable development.
• Reduced Urban Migration: Successful rural businesses can drastically reduce the pressure on urban areas by providing opportunities in rural regions.

How can a Business Loan help a small business in a rural area?

Business loans can empower rural entrepreneurs to build successful and sustainable businesses by providing timely financial assistance. Here’s how:

• Capital Investment: Funds obtained via a business loan can be used to purchase equipment, machinery, or technology necessary in order to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Infrastructure Development: Loans can help finance the construction or renovation of any or all business premises, including warehouses or retail spaces.
• Working Capital: The most important use of a business loan is to help in the day-to-day operations via the constant flow of working capital. It could help in purchasing inventory and paying salaries of the staff. 
• Fund Expansion Plans: With the finances obtained via a business loan, businesses can explore new markets, introduce new products or services, and increase their customer base.
• Overcoming Financial Challenges: Loans can help businesses overcome unexpected challenges like natural disasters or economic downturns.
• Job Creation: As businesses grow with the help of loans, they often create new job opportunities for the local community.
• Access to Better Technology: Loans can facilitate the adoption of modern technology, improving business operations and competitiveness.

Conclusion

Each of the discussed rural business ideas presents an array of opportunities for those who are prepared to venture into the rural landscape. These are more than business initiatives; they offer channels to comprehensive community development, creation of employment, and long-term economic success. Atmanirbhar Bharat's ambition is rooted not only in metropolitan aspirations, but also in the fields, villages, and hearts of India's diverse ecosystem.

As we collectively recognize the latent potential in rural landscapes, the call for entrepreneurs to step into these spaces becomes imperative. IIFL Finance understands the needs of budding entrepreneurs. With a commitment to fulfilling dreams, they offer customised business loans, tailor-made to your needs, providing you with the necessary financial backbone you need to turn such rural business ideas into reality. Explore your entrepreneurial path with IIFL Finance today.

FAQs

Q1. How to start a business in 50,000 rupees?

Ans. Starting a business in a rural area with a budget of INR 50,000 requires careful planning. It might seem challenging at the beginning, but it is certainly possible. Consider tapping into locally available resources. You could start with a poultry farm, grocery store, or dairy business. Services such as tailoring, catering, and repair work can also be explored. Understanding your village’s specific needs is crucial to setting up a successful venture.

Q2. What business can I start in my village?

Ans. You can find out what your village's specific needs are. Accordingly, you can venture out. You may want to consider something small, such as a grocery store, tailoring shop, poultry farm, medical store, or even a dairy business. 

Q3. What is the cheapest most profitable business to start?

Ans. Poultry farming or dairy business are often considered the cheapest and most profitable business venture to start in a village

Q4. How to make money in a small village?

Ans. Making money in a small village can be a little tricky. Firstly you need to be aware of the village’s specific needs and for that you need to stay there for a while to understand the finer points. You will have to make use of local resources and needs. The best place to start with will be griculture-based ventures like poultry, dairy, or organic farming. Retail stores for daily essentials, tailoring shops, or providing essential services like repair work can also be profitable. In the age of mobile phones, setting a shop catering to it may work out in your favour, but there’s no guarantee as such. Additionally, you can also explore e-commerce or digital services that can tap into a wider market.