Top 5 Profitable Crops for Small Farmers in India

Farming is not just about growing crops—it’s about making smart choices to earn from your land. As a small farmer, you need crops that grow well and sell well. Choosing high-demand crops can earn you more without a huge investment.

Wondering which crops will give you the best profits? Here are five options that will give you more money with less cost.

1. Turmeric (Haldi) – High Demand, High Profit

Turmeric is not just a kitchen spice—it’s a valuable crop used in Ayurveda, cosmetics, and medicine. It sells well in Indian markets and is increasing in demand as an export. It’s a low-maintenance crop that doesn’t get spoiled quickly so you don’t have to worry about selling it immediately after harvest.

✔ Why grow it? High market demand, good prices, long shelf life.

✔ Where does it grow best? Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka.

✔ How much can you earn? ₹80-₹150 per kg (APEDA).

2. Mushrooms – High-Profit Crop with Low Space

If you have limited land, mushrooms can be a good option to earn more. They grow indoors and require very little space. With increasing demand for healthy food, mushrooms—especially button and oyster varieties—are selling well in urban areas.

✔ Why grow it? Requires less space, sells fast, and earns good profits.

✔ Where does it grow best? Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal.

✔ How much can you earn? ₹120-₹250 per kg (NABARD).

3. Aloe Vera – Low Maintenance Crop with Guaranteed Buyers

Aloe vera is used in cosmetics, health products, and herbal medicines. Companies buy it in bulk so farmers don’t struggle to find buyers. It doesn’t require much water and can grow even in dry areas making it a good option for farms with less irrigation.

✔ Why grow it? Easy to grow, drought resistant, and always in demand.

✔ Where does it grow best? Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.

✔ How much can you earn? ₹15-₹50 per kg (ICAR).

4. Stevia – A Crop for a Health-Conscious Market

Stevia is a natural sweetener becoming popular as a healthy alternative to sugar. Many food and medicine companies are looking for farmers to supply stevia leaves and the price per kg is much higher than traditional crops like wheat or rice.

✔ Why grow it? High demand in health and food industries, long-term buyer contracts.

✔ Where does it grow best? Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh.

✔ How much can you earn? ₹200-₹600 per kg for dried leaves (APEDA).

5. Saffron (Kesar) – The Costliest Crop

Saffron is one of the most expensive crops to grow. It requires special conditions but can give huge profits if you are in the right place. Indian saffron is famous for its quality and with government support for local production, this crop can be a game changer for farmers.

✔ Why grow it? High market price and export demand.✔ Where does it grow best? Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh.✔ How much can you earn? ₹1,50,000-₹2,50,000 per kg (ICAR).