Agribusiness refers to agriculture-related activities that put farmers, processors, distributors, and consumers within a system that produces, processes, transports, markets, and distributes agricultural products. The transformation of agricultural farming into a thriving agribusiness-driven sector starts with acquiring farming technologies, training in more sophisticated farming techniques, creating stable supply chains/channels, establishing transport and agricultural infrastructure, investing and research and development, and securing a reliable property rights regime.

These activities can contribute not only in diversifying and increasing the value of agribusiness outputs, but also contribute to the inclusive growth and rural development agenda of the government. Because of this, the agribusiness sector is positioned to largely contribute to the industrial development of any country.

Why need to engage agriculture business

Agriculture is one of the major sources of livelihood for the people of rural and sub-rural areas of the country. This sector used to depend much on the climate for its flourishment but with the introduction of technology and science, this field too has witnessed huge development. Moreover, agriculture is a very vast field which includes forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery too. The businesses related to agriculture are quite profitable and demanding but requires passion and dedication.

Agriculture is the current greatest employer in developing economies and the source of food and medicine. Amidst the lockdown and global recession, agriculture has emerged as one of the most paying and reliable sectors. Moreover, this sector is gradually growing across the globe and there are hundreds of agriculture related business ideas that one can easily start.

While some agriculture business requires low investment, some may need medium to large sums of capital. You can start agriculture related business and earn some income out of that. In this article, I will enlighten the top 15 best Small Agri-business ideas which you can start in Uganda with low investment.

Here are 10 agribusinesses one could invest in Uganda for a better ROI.

1.. Grocery shopping portal

With the invention of technology and E-Commerce, people find it very wasteful to spend hours buying day-to-day groceries. People prefer ordering groceries to be delivered at their doorsteps. You can start E-shopping portal and become entrepreneur.

2. Tree farm

Tree farm grows trees and earns money by selling them. The waiting period of earning money in this business is quite high as the growing of trees requires considerable time. This is one of the best small farm business ideas to start. This might need some maintenance cost.

3. Organic fertilizer production

Vermicomposting or organic fertilizer production has become a household business. It does not require much investment and very easy to initiate with a little know-how of the production process.

4. Business of fertilizer distribution

This business is suitable for people who live in small towns or rural areas. In this business, you are required to buy fertilizers from big cities and make them available in rural areas.  This could be one of the best small agricultural business ideas in Uganda to start in small towns.

5. Mushroom farming

The business of growing mushrooms can fetch you big profits in a short period of time. It can be started with low investment and it requires less space also. Mushrooms are in great demand at hotels, restaurants, and households.

6. Poultry farming

The poultry farming business has transformed into a techno-commercial industry. In the last few decades, it is one of the fastest-growing industries.  If you are looking for small farm income ideas, this could be best fit for you.

7. Organic greenhouse

An organic greenhouse business has good potential to grow because the demand for organically grown products has been increasing consistently. Beforehand, this business was done on small family-run farms, but with increasing demand as people are now buying land for making organic greenhouse.

8. Beekeeping

With the increasing awareness for health, the demand for honey is growing day by day. This way, beekeeping has become a great business opportunity. This business demands day-to-day monitoring of the bees with close supervision.

9. Fruit and Vegetable export

You can initiate the business of exporting fruit and vegetables in which you have to collect fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers and sell them internationally. For this business, you need to know the import and export policies as well as local markets. This is one of the best agriculture export business ideas to start.

10. Dairy business

The demand for milk as well as milk products always remains high. Hence we can say that the dairy business is the most profitable agri business in Uganda. To start a dairy business you need good capital investment and some guidance from dairy experts. But if done with full passion, it gives very good business.

11. Fertilizer Distribution Business

This business can be done easily by people living in small cities or rural areas. In the fertilizer distribution business, you have to plan to buy fertilizers from big cities and sell them to rural areas.

12. Groundnut processing

If you can procure good quality raw material (groundnuts) for this business, you can initiate it with moderate capital. Processed groundnuts have very good market potential all over the world.

13. Tea plantation

With the increasing demand for tea leaves, this business has huge potential. Tea plants typically required acidic soil and heavy rainfall, although they can be grown anywhere from sea level to high altitudes. So, if your demographic situation is suitable for growing tea, you should go in this business. This is one of the good agriculture business ideas in Uganda that requires high capital.

14. Hydroponic Retail Store

The use of hydroponics technology is increasing very fast these days. In a hydroponics system, plants/crops are cultivated without soil. In this business, you can sell many hydroponics equipment in one place. A hydroponic retail store deals in hydroponic equipment and also develops plants to be sold for both commercial and home use. For example, one would have plants in bottles filled with water creates a room where people come and purchase.

15. Farming of medicinal herbs

Growing of medicinal herbs at the commercial level is one of the most profitable agriculture business ideas. If you possess good knowledge about the herbs and have sufficient land, you can initiate the farming of medicinal herbs.  You may need to take certain licenses from local and central government in the case of medicinal herb business. You will probably be a millionaire on your own.