Broccoli Farming: Setup Cost, Returns, Market Trends & More

Broccoli, a nutrient-rich vegetable often seen on fancy dinner tables and diet charts, is now becoming a profitable farming venture in India. With rising health awareness and demand from urban consumers, broccoli farming is no longer just for export-oriented growers—it’s now a viable income source for small and medium farmers too.

What is Broccoli Farming?

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is a green, edible plant in the cabbage family, known for its large flowering head and nutritional benefits. It thrives in cool climates, making North Indian states ideal for its production.

Where is Broccoli Grown in India?

Broccoli is mainly grown in:

• Himachal Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Maharashtra (Pune, Nashik)
• Karnataka (Bangalore outskirts)

It is catching up in greenhouse farming setups in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Why Choose Broccoli Farming in India?

• High Market Value: ₹80–₹200/kg in retail markets.
• Health Conscious Demand: Increasing demand in urban areas.
• Export Opportunity: High demand in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
• Low Competition: Still a niche crop in many parts of India.

Ideal Conditions for Broccoli Cultivation

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Types of Broccoli Grown in India

• Calabrese (Most common variety, large green heads)
• Sprouting Broccoli (Small heads with long stems)
• Purple Cauliflower (Purple in colour but tastes like broccoli)

Cost of Broccoli Farming Setup (Per Acre)

✅ Subsidies available under NHM (National Horticulture Mission) for drip irrigation and protected cultivation.

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Expected Yield & Returns

📌 Greenhouse broccoli can yield even higher quality heads, fetching up to ₹150/kg in city supermarkets.

Market Trends and Scope

• Urban diets are shifting towards immunity-boosting vegetables, making broccoli a favourite.
• Supermarkets, hotels, and e-commerce grocery platforms are bulk buyers.
• Organic broccoli has a growing market in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.

Marketing & Selling Channels

1. Local Vegetable Mandis
2. Retailers & Supermarkets
3. Online Grocery Platforms (BigBasket, Zepto, Blinkit)
4. Farmers’ Markets
5. Restaurants & Hotels
6. Exporters dealing in Middle Eastern markets

By-products & Additional Revenue

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Tips for Successful Broccoli Farming

• Choose hybrid seeds from reputed brands like Syngenta or Mahyco.
• Apply mulching to conserve moisture.
• Use organic pest control to reduce chemical usage.
• Practice crop rotation with cabbage or carrots.
• Harvest when heads are firm and tight (before flowering starts).

Real Example from India

In Nashik, Maharashtra, a farmer named Rahul Pawar started broccoli farming on just 1 acre in 2021. Using hybrid seeds and drip irrigation, he harvested 72 quintals and sold most of it to a local supermarket chain, earning a net profit of around ₹1.6 lakhs.

Real story of a farmer – Bosswallah YouTube

Resources for Farmers

• ICAR – Indian Institute of Vegetable Research: http://iivr.icar.gov.in
• National Horticulture Board: http://nhb.gov.in
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across India
• Agri-Clinics and Agribusiness Centres Scheme (ACABC)

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Conclusion

Broccoli farming in India holds massive untapped potential. With a short growing cycle, rising health awareness, and excellent market value, it offers profitable returns for Indian farmers willing to diversify from traditional crops. If done smartly—with quality seeds, proper irrigation, and targeted marketing—broccoli can become a game-changer for both small and large-scale farmers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best time to grow broccoli in India?
   October to January is ideal due to cool weather.
2. How much water does broccoli need?
   Around 25–30 mm per week; drip irrigation is best.
3. Which is the best seed variety for broccoli?
   ‘Green Magic’ and ‘Palam Samridhi’ are widely used hybrids.
4. Can broccoli be grown in summer?
   No, it requires a cool climate to grow well.
5. Is organic broccoli farming possible?
   Yes, but it requires proper certification and pest management.
6. How long does broccoli take to mature?
   80 to 100 days after transplanting.
7. What are the common diseases in broccoli farming?
   Downy mildew, black rot, and aphid infestation.
8. How can I sell broccoli online?
   Partner with local e-commerce grocery platforms or list on ONDC.
9. Do I need a greenhouse to grow broccoli?
   Not necessarily, but greenhouses help in off-season cultivation.
10. Can small farmers grow broccoli profitably?
    Yes, especially near urban centres with access to local markets.