Punjab, the land of five rivers, is a state in the western part of India known for its cultural, historical, and economic importance. The home to most of the Indian Sikh community, Punjab is the 16th largest state in the country by area. The state is world-known for locations like Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Wagah Border, Jallianwala Bagh, and much more.
The most important factor in Punjab’s GDP is agriculture. The state makes up a large proportion of crops and pulses provided throughout India. However, Punjab holds strength in creating many businesses and is not just bound to agriculture. Today, we will discuss why Punjab is a great place for startups and which can be the best business for you to earn maximum profits at minimum investment. So, let us begin!
Key Insights of Punjab
On this page:
- Key Insights of Punjab
- List of Top 19 Business Ideas in Punjab
- 1. Affiliate Marketing
- 2. Agriculture
- 3. Dairy Farming
- 4. Tourism
- 5. Woolen Industry
- 6. Storage Units
- 7. Transport Business
- 8. Seed Production
- 9. Digital Marketing
- 10. Reselling
- 11. Event Management
- 12. Bed & Breakfast
- 13. Bakery
- 14. Sports Equipment Manufacturing
- 15. Online Tutoring
- 16. Lease Farm Equipment
- 17. Fertilizers & Pesticides
- 19. Start a Phulkari Business
- Why Should you Choose Punjab to Start a Business?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Capital | Chandigarh |
State Rank | 20th in India |
Official Languages | Punjabi |
Total Population | 27,743,338 |
Punjab GDP | US$87 billion |
Official Website | https://punjab.gov.in/ |
List of Top 19 Business Ideas in Punjab
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate Marketing is a widely known online business in India, and Punjab is no different. Affiliate Marketing is the newest technique of marketing that involves collaboration in which a marketer is paid for increasing the sales of an online retailer. The marketer uses platforms like YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc., to create content and build an audience. Affiliate marketing is a great business as it provides the flexibility of time and work, unlimited earning potential, and requires no minimum education requirement. You could even be a student and create a successful affiliate marketing business for yourself.
2. Agriculture
Known to be an agricultural economy for decades, Punjab still holds up to this name to this date. The state, also known as the ‘Breadbasket of India,’ provides more than 17% of total wheat production in the country. Punjab comes under the northern plains belt and is known for its rich, nutritious alluvial soil that supports the production of wheat, maize, paddy, potatoes, sugarcane, cotton, and pulses. People with a certain amount of land can start growing crops easily in any part of Punjab. You can also seek organic farming (growing crops without chemicals and pesticides) due to an uptick in demand and lesser supply.
3. Dairy Farming
It looks like we keep coming back to rural Punjab. Dairy farming has always been a good business for many natives of the region. People love to own different milk-bearing animals, mainly buffaloes, to create nutritious products for themselves and the market. If you are someone with a practical experience in animal husbandry, you can venture into dairy farming and provide products like milk, ghee, paneer, curd, etc. Looking to start a business in Gujarat? Check out our guide where we have featured the best business ideas in Gujarat.
4. Tourism
As we mentioned above, some of India’s most important cultural locations are present in Punjab. With locations like Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Mohali, Ludhiana & Jalandhar, Punjab makes for a great vacation spot for Indians and foreigners. Entrepreneurs can build tourist agencies, hotels, restaurants, etc., and take advantage of the large number of monuments, parks, temples, and local cuisine that Punjab provides.
5. Woolen Industry
For those who do not know, locations like Ludhiana, Dhariwal, Kharar, and Amritsar are known for their woollen garment industry. 40% (highest) of all wool processing units in India are present in Punjab. With the intense winters that northern India experiences, the woollen industry offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurs in Punjab due to the state’s unique geographical presence. You can process wool, produce garments, carpets, or export products across the world.
Business Ideas for Other States:
6. Storage Units
With Punjab producing a massive variety of products every year, proper storage becomes essential to manage the surplus. One of the best small business ideas in Punjab is setting up storage units. You can establish cold storage facilities for perishable items like vegetables and fruits or traditional godowns to store non-perishable products like wool and cotton. This not only addresses the storage needs of the region but also creates a steady business opportunity in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
7. Transport Business
Punjabi industrialists and farmers require many trucks and tractors to carry raw materials and final products in and out of the state. Even though they have existed for a long time, transport businesses are still a good bet to success. You can create a network of vehicles and drivers and provide transportation services throughout India or within the state itself.
8. Seed Production
Seeds are the very first requirement for a good crop. Punjab not only produces high-grade agricultural products but is also known to produce seeds sent to different parts of the nation. Paddy, Maize & Cotton are the most famous crop seeds around the state. Development, Packaging, Processing, etc., are some fields you can venture into regarding seed production.
9. Digital Marketing
Just like any other state in India, Digital Marketing can be a great moneymaker in Punjab as well. It involves providing different marketing services to your clients including social media management, content creation, SEO, content marketing, affiliate marketing, and much more. Anyone can learn Digital Marketing by watching the free courses available on the internet and can start making money by providing different services to their clients from the comfort of their homes. Digital Marketing can be done with practically zero investment.
10. Reselling
Reselling is one of the promising new business ideas in Punjab, where a population of over 2.8 crore creates a vast market for various products. This business involves purchasing items from wholesalers or suppliers and selling them at a profit or for a commission. Resellers in Punjab can explore a wide range of products, including fashion, food, books, and automobiles, depending on their budget and investment capacity.
11. Event Management
Punjab is a state of people who love to celebrate different occasions. Event management involves everything ranging from location scouting, catering, photography, people management, accommodation, etc. for different programs including weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, etc. Cities like Chandigarh & Amritsar can be great markets for event managers.
12. Bed & Breakfast
Starting a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) is one of the most unique business ideas in Punjab, offering tourists a cozy, home-like stay while they explore the state. With Punjab welcoming over 2.9 crore visitors in 2021, this venture has great potential. If you have extra space in your home, you can turn it into a B&B and list it on popular online platforms to attract bookings. This requires minimal investment and can generate a steady income. Ideal locations for a B&B in Punjab include Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Pathankot, and Patiala, which are popular among tourists.
13. Bakery
People from Punjab are famous for their love of food. The food business is one sector that is essentially recession-proof in Punjab. Bakers can sell gourmet dishes like gluten-free cakes, vegan cookies, keto cakes, etc. while also serving the general public through conventional baked items like cakes, pastries, and cookies. Do not forget to set up an internet store for your bakery so that you can serve the entire city instead of just your neighbourhood.
14. Sports Equipment Manufacturing
Punjab, known for producing numerous sports stars who have represented the state and India on national and international stages, offers great potential for manufacturing business ideas in Punjab. Entrepreneurs can tap into the thriving sports industry by manufacturing high-quality sports equipment and selling it across the country. Focus areas like basketball, cricket, football, badminton, and tennis can yield significant returns on investment.
15. Online Tutoring
Punjab is one of the most literate states in India with a literacy rate of 75.84%. Offering online tutoring can provide great income without putting much investment into your business. You can also venture into providing specialized courses for particular niches if you have expertise in a certain field. Use platforms like Udemy & Skillshare to publish your courses.
16. Lease Farm Equipment
As we mentioned above, a good percentage of Punjab’s population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture in the modern era requires high-quality equipment for the best output in a cropping season. Entrepreneurs can put some investment into their business to buy equipment for different purposes like seeding, harvesting, planting, etc., and lease the same to farmers for a period. Leasing equipment can provide a recurring income to entrepreneurs in return for a one-time investment.
17. Fertilizers & Pesticides
Another great business idea in Punjab with low investment is providing high-quality agricultural products like fertilizers, pesticides, organic manures, and other crop nutrition solutions. These products are essential for farmers and landowners to ensure the best output during any season, making them a constant requirement in the agro-industry.
19. Start a Phulkari Business
Phulkari is the folk embroidery of Punjab. Sellers can deal in different types of Phulkari which includes Senchi Phulkari, Chhamas, Neelak, Chope and Subhar, and cater to the huge demand for this floral pattern clothing in Punjab. Both natives as well as tourists love traditional Phulkari work and pay huge money for it. Over 2,00,000 women in Punjab are engaged in Phulkari work but lack a marketing network which reduces their earnings. Entrepreneurs can provide a marketing network to provide the highest quality fabric to people from all over the country as well as the world.
Furthermore, we have also covered a list of the most successful business ideas for village area, that can be started without any high initial investments. Do give it a read.
Why Should you Choose Punjab to Start a Business?
1. Transport: Punjab is known for its great connectivity with the rest of the nation. The landlocked state is connected by 29 national highways and 19 state highways that allow for the free movement of produced goods and raw materials throughout the state and the country.
2. Industrial Hub: Punjab has been the choice of millions of entrepreneurs due to its unique location, government schemes, investor climate, etc. The state is home to more than 1.9 lakh micro-enterprises and 586 medium and large enterprises. According to Statista, Punjab had a registered workforce of more than 5 lakh people across different industries in the state.
3. Ease of Logistics: Punjab ranked 2nd in the Ease of Logistics Ranking of the Government of India for 2018 and 2019. The state offers 100% road connectivity with 4/6 lane highways ensuring smooth transportation and seamless business activities.
In addition to this also, do have a look at our latest blog where we have mentioned some of the best profitable business in Odisha. Do check it out and let us know if you find your dream idea.
Conclusion
Punjab is a great place for any business to achieve success. We have listed our best bet to create an effective and cost-efficient business that will keep your profits going in no time.
FAQs
How can I grow my business in Punjab?
When it comes to marketing your business, you can always turn to online marketing strategies. Digital marketing has made it possible to effectively advertise your company and its products in even the most remote places. Additionally, excellent service can result in word-of-mouth advertising, which is ultimately the finest strategy.
Do I need educational qualifications to start a business in Punjab?
It takes a lot of talent and perseverance to run a business. To start a business, you may or may not have a certified educational qualification. However, you will need qualifications for the same if your business is associated with any profession or licencing. It only takes good practical knowledge and smart financial choices to launch a small business.
What are the best business ideas in Punjab?
Some of the best businesses to start in Punjab are Affiliate Marketing, Agriculture, Dairy Farming, tourism, Woolen Industry, Storage units and Seed production.
Which are the low-investment businesses in Punjab?
Some of the low-investment businesses in Punjab include tutoring, homestay services, photography, and selling handicraft products.