Microgreens – the young shoots of vegetables and herbs harvested within 7–21 days – are quickly becoming India’s newest health and business trend. Once seen only in fine-dining restaurants, these tiny greens are now finding their way into home kitchens, cafes, and local markets thanks to their powerful nutrition and easy-to-grow nature.
Why Microgreens Are Important for Everyone
Microgreens are often called “nutrition powerhouses.” Despite their small size, they can contain up to 40 times more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature plant versions. Eating microgreens regularly can:
- Boost immunity naturally
- Improve digestion and gut health
- Support heart health and regulate blood sugar
- Promote healthy skin and hair
- Aid weight management due to high fiber content
They are versatile and can be added to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, soups, or used as colorful garnishes.
Scope of Microgreens in India
The microgreens market in India is expanding rapidly, driven by the health-conscious urban population, chefs looking for fresh garnishes, and small entrepreneurs exploring profitable farming opportunities. Urban farming, balcony gardening, and vertical farming setups are making microgreens accessible even in small apartments.
Restaurants, cafes, and online grocery platforms are increasingly sourcing locally grown microgreens, creating a strong market for small-scale growers. Since they are high-value crops with quick harvest cycles, microgreens offer excellent business potential with relatively low investment.
How to Set Up a Small Microgreen Growing Unit (Step-by-Step)
What You Need:
- Shallow trays or grow boxes
- Microgreen-friendly seeds (broccoli, radish, mustard, sunflower, pea shoots)
- Growing medium (coco peat or potting mix)
- Spray bottle for misting
- Good ventilation and indirect sunlight (or LED grow lights for indoors)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Prepare Your Space: Choose a clean area such as a balcony, kitchen counter, or a small rack indoors.
- Fill the Tray: Add a thin layer of moistened coco peat or soil mix.
- Sow the Seeds: Sprinkle seeds evenly and press gently into the medium.
- Cover for Germination: Keep trays covered for 2–3 days to maintain moisture and encourage sprouting.
- Expose to Light: Once seeds sprout, place trays in indirect sunlight or under grow lights. Mist with water daily.
- Harvest: In 7–15 days, when the first true leaves appear, cut just above the soil with clean scissors.
- Clean and Repeat: Wash trays, prepare new medium, and start your next cycle.
With proper planning, you can harvest fresh microgreens every week and even scale up production for selling to neighbors, restaurants, and online customers.
The Bottom Line
Microgreens are more than a passing health trend – they are a sustainable, nutrient-rich solution to modern eating habits. With minimal investment, anyone can start growing them at home, enjoy their health benefits, and even turn them into a small, profitable business.