Starting a business may seem daunting, but certain opportunities can be both easy to manage and highly profitable. One such business idea is growing and selling bonsai plants. With the rising demand for these plants, especially as decorative items and symbols of good luck, the bonsai plant business can help you earn lakhs of rupees from the comfort of your home. The best part is that the Central Government even provides financial assistance for those who wish to venture into this business.
Two Ways to Start Your Bonsai Plant Business
If you’re thinking of starting a bonsai business, there are two main ways to go about it:
- Grow Bonsai Plants at Home:
You can start this business from home with a small investment. Bonsai plants take around two to five years to fully mature, so patience is key. If you’re in no hurry, this option allows you to start small, spending minimal money on seeds, pots, and other essential items. - Buy and Resell Ready Bonsai Plants:
If you want quicker returns, you can buy bonsai plants from a nursery and resell them at a markup. Typically, you can sell them at a 30-50% higher price. You can even start with just ₹20,000, scaling the business as you see profits.
Why Bonsai Plants Are in Demand
Bonsai plants are not only a popular decorative choice for homes and offices, but they are also considered to bring good fortune. This has significantly increased their demand in the market. Depending on the size, species, and care level, bonsai plants can cost anywhere from ₹200 to ₹2,500 or more. People who are fond of bonsai plants are often willing to pay a premium for the right plant.
Essential Items You’ll Need to Start
To begin your bonsai business, you don’t need much space or investment. Here’s a list of the basic items you’ll need to get started:
- Clean water
- Sandy soil or sand
- Pots and glass containers
- 100 to 150 square feet of space (either land or a terrace)
- Clean pebbles or glass balls for decoration
- Thin wire for shaping the plants
- A spray bottle for watering the plants
- A mesh or shade to protect the plants from direct sunlight
Government Support for Bonsai Cultivation
One of the key benefits of starting a bonsai business is the financial support provided by the government. According to official schemes, for every bonsai plant, the average cost after three years is ₹240. Out of this, ₹120 per plant will be covered by government assistance.
In regions outside the North East, 50% of the cost will be shared between the government and farmers. Of the government’s contribution, 60% will come from the Centre and 40% from the State. In the North East, the government covers 60% of the costs, with 90% from the Centre and 10% from the State. Local nodal officers can provide complete details on how to apply for this assistance.
Potential Earnings from a Bonsai Business
The income potential from a bonsai plant business is promising. Depending on the species and demand, you can plant 1,500 to 2,500 bonsai plants in one hectare of land. By spacing the plants at 3 x 2.5 meters, you can grow around 1,500 plants in a single hectare while still having room for other crops.
After four years of cultivation, you can start earning around ₹3 to ₹3.5 lakh from your bonsai plants. The government support combined with the rising demand for these plants makes this business a lucrative option for anyone interested in agriculture or plant cultivation.
