Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is the process by which the earthworm is used to convert organic waste into vermicompost, an excellent organic manure. Earthworms consume all kinds of organic wastes under conducive conditions, including kitchen waste, animal waste, agricultural residues and even paper.

The prime market for vermicompost is in agriculture and horticulture. Farmers are already using vermicompost in large quantities. Small and marginal farmers would do well to produce vermicompost on their own. Home gardens, kitchen gardens and commercial plant nurseries are an excellent market for vermicompost in urban areas.

This enterprise offers tremendous scope for expansion in rural areas because it has the potential to engage small farmers and women who can easily set up such units at the household level.

The enterprise is based on the conversion of waste matter into rich plant humus by using earthworms. No specific skill is required. It is a viable production oriented enterprise with tremendous scope for expansion in rural areas.

For further details contact:

Development Alternatives, TARAB 32 TARA CrescentQutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110 016

Herbal Products

Herbal products are made from plants and parts of plants through extraction and refining. They are used in medicines, cosmetics, perfumery and essential oils. The production of herbal products can be extremely lucrative.

For example

The cost of growing roses is Rs.14,000 per hectare in the first year, Rs.18,600 in the second year and Rs. 27,000 in the third year. Oil yield per hectare is 600gms (about half a kilo)in the second year and I kilo in the third year which is sold at Rs. 90,000 per kilo. The average return is around Rs. 54,000 per annum.

Is there a market for it ?

In the last decade, the demand for various types of herbal products has increased rapidly. These products also have an immense export potential .

How much will it cost to set up the unit ?

You require a working capital of about Rs.10,000 and a fixed capital of about Rs. 25,000 for special cottage units.

Can someone help ?

For information on training, technical support, loans, raw materials, and marketing, contact:SIRI (Small Industries Research Institute)4 / 43 , Roop NagarDelhi –110007

Rubber Tyre

The rubber tyre industry is a small scale industry which produces mostly cycle and rickshaw tyres and tubing. Cycles are by and large still the most popular mode of conveyance in rural areas. Consequently, the demand for rubber tyres has been increasing steadily. Bicycles are also exported to a number of developing and developed countries so there is also good scope for business in the export market.

The manufacture of tyres and tubes is a major sector of the Indian rubber industry. At present there are about 20 cycle and cycle-rickshaw tyres manufacturers in the market. The production of cycle and cycle-rickshaw tyre is expected to increase at the rate of 9.5 % per year. Inspite of being an old and established industry there is a lot of scope for this industry as a new entrepreneur . What you need to acquire periodically is new technology for a better product .

How much will it cost to set it up?

You will need to have at least a fixed capital of about Rs.6 to 7 lakhs.

For information on training, technical support, loans, raw materials, and marketing,

Contact:

SIRI (Small Industries Research Institute)4 / 43 , Roop NagarDelhi -110007

Gur and Khandsari

Promotional Prospects :

As sugar cane is cultivated all over India, there is immense scope for the development of the gur and khandsari industry. The gur and khandsari industry under Khadi and Village Industries Commission helps ensure full utilisation of sugarcane. The KVIC scheme only sponsors the technically tested and superior sugarcane crushers available at the market.

Gur is a product which is used as a sweetener instead of sugar, mostly in rural India. The entrepreneur can receive 10-15% of the production value as profit. There are certain other indirect benefits to the entrepreneur:

§ Higher food value at lower cost

§ The necessary equipment can be easily made

Is there a market for it ?

Gur and Khandsari can be sold at local haats and shops because of high demand in the rural area.

What is required ?

The main requirement is a large supply of sugarcane. This can either be bought in the market, or produced by the entrepreneur.

How much will it cost to set it up ?

Substantial working capital is required for buying seeds and storing sugarcane crop for the whole year.

There are several help systems available at the national level. One of them, the KVIC scheme, is designed to provide efficient crushers.

For information on training

Technical support, loans, raw materials, and marketing, contact:SIRI (Small Industries Research Institute)4 / 43 , Roop NagarDelhi –110007

Laundry Soap

Laundry soap is an item of daily necessity and essentially a mass consumption item

Is there a market for it ?

Laundry soap is required by families, and also by hotels, restaurants, and dhobis. The demand in India is still much greater than the supply, so you can make a good living by producing it.

What do I need ?

The process is very simple, and does not require much space.

How much will it cost to set up ?

You require a working capital of about Rs.25,000 per month, with a fixed capital of about Rs.2 lakhs

For information on training

Technical support, loans, raw material, and marketing contact:SIRI (Small Industries Research Institute)4 / 43 , Roop NagarDelhi -110007

Pickles

In India pickles are an integral part of the cuisine and will continue to enjoy high levels of demand as long as people love good food. Pickle is also promoted extensively overseas.Pickle production can be run very successfully as a family business.

What is required ?

§ Seasonal fruits and vegetables

§ Mostly tools available at home

§ Glass bottles and jars for packing

§ Basic cooking skills are required

You require working capital of about Rs. 50,000 per month, and fixed capital of about Rs.2 lakhs.

For information on training,

Technical support, loans, raw materials, and marketing, contact:SIRI (Small Industries Research Institute)4 / 43 , Roop Nagar Delhi -110007

Agarbatti

An agarbatti is a long, slim stick of incense. It is used in religious ceremonies and places of worship. The prime ingredient of agarbatti making is sandalwood, which is used both for coloration and to provide the scent.

Is there a market for it ?

The agarbatti is used by almost every family in India on a daily basis. There is also substantial international demand for incense, so the potential for export is high.

What do I need ?

A small workshop, some easily (preferably locally) available ingredients like sandalwood flour, black agar, flowers and leaves, wood and coal . No specific skill is required, so your family can easily run this business.

How much will it cost to set it up ?

Substantial working capital is required for buying raw material and for the manufacturing process .

For information on training

Technical support, loans, raw material, and marketing contact:SIRI (Small Industries Research Institute)4 / 43 , Roop NagarDelhi-110007

Corn Oil

Corn is a seasonal crop, which is easily available in rural areas that is often grown as a subsistence crop. The oil extracted from the grains is a vegetable oil. This enterprise has the potential of high returns but it requires a substantial investment.

Is there a market for it ?

The extracted corn oil is used for cooking, in medicines, and for other applications. The export potential is good.

What is required ?

§ Covered area for operations

§ A steady supply of corn seeds.

§ Technological inputs

How much will it cost to set up ?

You require a working capital of about Rs.1,25,000 per month and a fixed capital of about Rs. 7,40,000 .

For information on training,

Technical support, loans, raw material, and marketing contactSIRI (Small Industries Research Institute)4 / 43 , Roop NagarDelhi –110007

Ginger Oil

Ginger is a spice commonly used in household cooking. It is also used in the preparation of medicines and certain non-alcoholic beverages.

Is there a market for it ?

At present the demand for ginger oil is greater than the current supply, so it is possible to do well in this field.

What is required ?

To start a ginger oil business, you will require a good, steady supply of ginger, a shed or other covered work area, and equipment for distillation. Some experience in processing is an advantage.

How much will it cost to set up ?

Setting up a ginger oil unit requires a working capital of about Rs.1,25,000 per month and fixed capital of about Rs.2,00,000.

For information on training

Technical support, loans, raw material, and marketing contactSIRI (Small Industries Research Institute)4 / 43 , Roop NagarDelhi –110007