6 Most Profitable Irrigation Business Ideas & Opportunities

The economies of most countries in the world hugely depend on agriculture and allied industries. And the agricultural activity hugely depends on the irrigation facility. As different areas receive ununiformed rainfall, plantation and crop husbandry depend on other ways of irrigation facilities.

Irrigation refers to the process of supply of water through artificial means such as pipes, ditches, sprinklers, etc. Apart from several Govt. initiatives, there is a huge potential for starting different irrigation businesses with small capital investments. Here in this article, we intend to provide the most profitable irrigation business ideas for the entrepreneurs.

Why Irrigation Business is Profitable?

The artificial way of supplying water to the agricultural land at the right moment in an appropriate volume for the proper growth of the plants in order to get the maximum yields of cultivation is technically called irrigation.

But irrigation also includes clearing away excess water from the agricultural land. There is a great necessity for irrigation in agriculture.

These conditions range from extreme heat to extreme cold and from extreme dryness to excessive rainfall. There are several reasons for the profitability of the irrigation business. Some of them are mentioned below:

• The uncertainty of monsoon rainfall both in time and place.
• Irregularity in the distribution of rainfall throughout the year.
• Excessive rainfall caused the flood.
• A draught is an annual event in some areas.
• Some soils need more water.
• The introduction of hybrid seeds and multiple cropping need water throughout the year.

Related: Top Small Scale Livestock Farming Ideas

How to Start an Irrigation Business

One must have a definitive business plan before actually jumping into the irrigation business. Some of the important steps that must be followed are as follows:

• Understand the Market
• Select a Profitable Niche
• Create a Business Plan
• Select the Location
• Register your Irrigation Business
• Get Required Licenses
• Buy Irrigation Equipment
• Have a Financial Plan
• Promote your Business

List of 6 Irrigation Business Ideas & Opportunities

#1. Drip Irrigation

Basically, drip irrigation is known as trickle irrigation. The drip irrigation system includes dripping water onto the soil at very low rates (2-20 liters/hour) from a system of small diameter plastic pipes fitted with outlets called emitters or drippers.

Water is applied close to plants so that only part of the soil in which the roots grow is wetted. You can start the business of a drip irrigation system by providing a layout plan design, estimate, and implementation of the system.

You can import the tools and pieces of equipment from China. Otherwise, you can start this business with a distributorship of a reputed company.

#2. Irrigation Equipment

Different types of irrigation machines and tools are essential items for irrigation. Selling irrigation supplies is one of the most profitable irrigation businesses for rural areas or small towns.

Some of the most potential irrigation equipment include pump sets, generator sets, PVC pipes with different fittings, tanks, sprinklers, hose pipes, watering can, digital water timer, etc.

You can start selling the materials of local manufacturers. Additionally, you can import high-quality materials from China or other states. Also, you can avail of the distribution opportunity of the reputed companies in this field.

#3. Irrigation Structure

The irrigation system consists of a major intake structure or pumping station, a conveyance system, a distribution system, a field application system, and a drainage system.

This is a very lucrative opportunity for civil engineers also. You can provide the design, estimate, and implementation guide with the required tools and equipment to your clients.

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#4. Sprinkler

The sprinkler irrigation method distributes water to crops by spraying it over the crop area like natural rainfall. Basically, the water under pressure flows through perforations or nozzles and sprays over the area.

Sprinkler irrigation system is generally used mostly in the hilly areas for plantation crops like tea and coffee.

Generally, the locations that have a shortage of groundwater for irrigation are the most potential areas for the sprinkler irrigation business.

#5. Tubewells

Tube wells are also used for irrigation purposes. At places where groundwater is available, a tube well can be installed near the agricultural area. A deep tube well worked by electricity can irrigate a much larger area (about 400 hectares) than a surface well (1/2 hectares).

The states like U.P., Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, and Gujarat mostly use tube wells.  Additionally, you can start the tubewell selling and installation business by sourcing the tube wells from reputed manufacturers.

#6. Small Lifting Irrigation

Small lifting irrigation includes the activity of lifting water from rivers, canals, tanks, or ponds for the nearby lands. This type of irrigation project is very popular among farmers.

Basically, the project includes design, layout plan, estimate, and implementation. Having expertise and experience in this field, you can start this irrigation business with a small capital investment.