Chhattisgarh is also called the “Rice Bowl of India”. This state located centrally in India holds approximately 30% of aluminium and steel production in India. Tin is produced solely by Chhattisgarh among all states of India. There are large deposits of coal, iron ore, bauxite and limestone in Chhattisgarh. The fact remains that tin production is only done by the state of Chhattisgarh within the country itself. Here are some reasons why business owners find the place suitable to start a new business:
- Chhattisgarh has abundant natural resources such as minerals (coal, iron ore, limestone, bauxite), forests and water.
- The placement of Chhattisgarh in Central India provides access to big markets in North-East-West parts.
- Established industrial zones and parks like Bhilai Steel Plant; Raipur Industrial Complexes; and Korba Industrial Clusters exist.
- The young labour force present in this region has the potential for development over a period
- Chhattisgarh has lower living costs as compared to metropolitan regions.
What are the Best Businesses to Start in Chhattisgarh?
1. Agriculture Based Business
The people of Chhattisgarh mainly depend on agriculture as a source of income. In some cases, 70% of the population is engaged in agricultural activities. The state has a significant output of rice, wheat and pulses. This creates an opportunity to open up an agriculture-based business since the land is very fertile and climate conditions are also conducive for growing crops like maize for example.
Business niches:
- Organic farming: Organic farming is an increasingly profitable venture given the increasing health and sustainability concerns. You could plant healthy plants, fruits or grain crops from organic sources and sell them within your locality or other faraway places.
- Dairy farming: Chhattisgarh has long been known as a dairy cow paradise. A dairy farm or milk processing unit would supply locally available milk and byproducts.
- Renting out farm equipment: Modern machinery is critical for enhanced productivity in agriculture. Therefore, an enterprise which rents out tractors or other farm implements may be profitable.
2. Handicrafts and Artisanal Products
Chhattisgarh is a land recognized for its cultural diversity and rich traditional crafts. Here various artisans produce exquisite things such as bell metal wares, terracotta vessels as well as hand woven clothes. These items are now in great demand not only within the country but also beyond its borders.
Business Niches:
- Handloom and Textile Business: One way of making money from Chhattisgarh’s traditional handloom industry would be to engage in the sale of handmade clothing including saris, stoles, household linen, etc.
- Crafts Export Business: Exporting Cgst artisanal goods (such as bell metal wares, wooden carvings or terracotta) would serve as a highly profitable venture because they are in high demand worldwide.
- Handicraft Retail Store: You can create an outlet specializing in local handicrafts.
3. Food Processing Industry
Chhattisgarh is greatly endowed with agricultural produce and what better location would be than setting up food processing units here? The state possesses various agro-processing clusters that will cater to this industry, thus providing many income opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Business Niches:
- Rice Mill: Due to its ranking among major rice-producing states, establishing a rice mill within the bounds of Chhattisgarh would certainly yield profits. You can process and package rice for local consumption; you can even export it.
- Fruit and Vegetable Processing: One could process fruits and vegetables into jam or make pickles or even freeze them for both local as well as outside use.
- Spice Processing: The variety of spices grown in Chhattisgarh can make establishing a spice processing unit worth your while as it will add value to your fresh product while generating more sales.
4. Tourism and Hospitality
The state of Chhattisgarh is blessed with natural beauty, wildlife and historic sites creating the potential for tourism growth. This potentiality has opened up a wide scope in establishing businesses in thethe hospitality sector.
Business Niches:
- Eco-Tourism Resort: You can develop eco-friendly resorts or lodges in scenic locations such as forests or near waterfalls.
- Tour Guide Services: You can offer tour guide services to local attractions such as Chitrakoot Falls, Bastar’s tribal areas, or ancient temples.
- Adventure Sports Facility: You can establish an adventure sports center and offer activities like trekking, camping, and rafting and attract adventure-seekers.
5. Education and Training Institute
Chhattisgarh is an ideal place in the country for starting educational institutions and training centers owing to India’s increasing focus on education and skill development. There is a need for good quality education especially among urban centers like Raipur and Bilaspur where vocational training is becoming very popular.
- Coaching Centers: Chhattisgarh offers good opportunities to set up coaching centers for students preparing for various competitive exams like JEE, NEET or UPSC. These institutes can help those who want to pursue further studies.
- Vocational training centers: These should offer courses with practical skills such as programming computers, marketing via digital platforms or working in hotels and restaurants.
- Language schools: Language schools can emerge as important ones because they would need to teach English or any other foreign languages which can provide students and working professionals with a global perspective.
6. Health And Wellness Services
The Healthcare industry in Chhattisgarh is growing. There is more demand for quality healthcare services and wellness products. Industry experts predict good growth in this industry mainly due to the increase in population and health awareness among common people
Business Ideas
- Pharmacy Chain: You can set up a pharmacy chain that does not only sell medicine but also health and wellness products.
- Ayurvedic and Herbal Products: Chhattisgarh has a long tradition of using natural and herbal medicines. Therefore, it can be very lucrative to start a venture that produces or sells Ayurvedic and other herbal items catering to health-conscious clients.
- Fitness Centers: It can be a profitable venture to open a gym or fitness center. Especially in urban areas by offering specialized services such as yoga classes, aerobics or personal training classes that appeal to a wide range of customers.
7. Real Estate and Construction
The state of Chhattisgarh is urbanizing fast. Cities like Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur have become hotspots for real estate and construction businesses. It is a good idea to invest in this sector.
Business Ideas:
- Residential Development: Developments of residential properties such as apartments or gated communities are ideal for meeting the increasing need for housing among urban dwellers.
- Commercial Real Estate: Shopping malls, office spaces or guesthouses are some of the examples of commercial properties that can yield substantial returns when invested in or developed.
- Construction Materials Supply: Due to the surge in building activities, selling materials such as cement, steel and bricks would be a stable source of income.
8. Retail Business
In Chhattisgarh, there has been a rise in consumer spending and urbanization. Hence, the state has witnessed good growth in the retail sector in the last few years.
Business Ideas:
- Grocery Store: A grocery shop, particularly one offering organic or specialty products will be able to satisfy demands from residents who prefer such items.
- Clothing and Apparel Store: A store selling traditional Chhattisgarhi clothing would gain much popularity if mixed with modern apparel lines that could attract all kinds of customers.
- Electronic and Appliance Store: As people’s standard of living improves each day, so do their needs for electronics and household items at an increasing rate every single day thus making it advisable that only sellers in town specialize in these products that do so well.
9. Transport and Logistics
The strategic location of the state combined with its industrial development has necessitated the establishment of strong transport and logistics services in Chhattisgarh. The government is also putting more emphasis on improving infrastructure; hence there are good opportunities in this area.
Business Ideas:
- Transport Services: If you want to know where to invest your money for it to multiply, transport service is one business idea that can make you rich very fast, especially when it comes to serving industries or agricultural sector needs (especially good transport). This could mean carrying goods from one place to another, carrying people from one area to another, or both.
- Logistics and Warehousing: With manufacturing and e-commerce on the rise, logistics and warehousing are becoming increasingly important services. Thus, setting up a warehouse or offering third-party logistics (3PL) services would be an excellent idea for starting up a profit-making enterprise in this case.
- Courier Services: The number of demand for reliable courier services are fast increasing as e- commerce keeps growing fast. A successful route consists of starting a local courier company that meets these specifications by rapidly delivering parcels.
10. Renewable Energy
The State of Chhattisgarh has a wealth of natural resources and immense potential for the implementation of renewable energy projects, especially solar power and bioenergy. With the push from the government on sustainable energy, starting a renewable energy business within this state may turn advantageous.
Business Ideas:
- Solar Energy Installation: Offer solar panel installation services for individual, commercial, as well as industrial clients. Doing so will assist in meeting the growing demand for clean power.
- Biofuel Production: This involves using agricultural waste material among other forms to produce biofuels. Hence, it serves to satisfy local demands for alternative sources of energy.
- Wind Power Projects: Investing into wind energy venture may be promising since this is still at its initial stages in Chhattisgarh.
Manufacturing Business in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is recognized for its abundant deposits of minerals. The industrial sector is also thriving in the state. Thus, it might be a good idea to establish an industry here in the state. Given below are some of the best manufacturing business ideas that can fit into Chhattisgarh:
- Cement manufacturing: Chhattisgarh is one among the top cement producing regions in India. This is mainly due to its limestone reserves which make it possible for companies to produce cement at cheaper prices as compared to other countries. Thus, establishing a cement plant would be very lucrative.
- Steel and iron manufacturing: Because of Chhattisgarh’s large deposits of iron ore it often goes by the name “Steel Hub of India”. This means that you can choose to make items from these materials like bars, rods or sheets.
- Textile manufacturing: In India there has been an increasing attention towards textile industry recently. Setting up a textile factory in Chhattisgarh might turn out profitable as well; hence you will have opportunities like fabrics making, garments production or even specialized products such as military uniforms.’
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of government incentives are there for business startups in Chhattisgarh?
To attract individuals into launching new businesses, Chhattisgarh offers various types of incentives including land-related subsidies, electricity or capital investment related subsidies. The state also offer various tax exemptions related to profits depending on certain industries. Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana is an example of such schemes which help young individuals start their own enterprises financially.
How much money do I need to begin my small enterprise in Chhattisgarh?
The amount you will require largely depends on the kind of commercialization you’re considering. For example, a small-scale agriculture based venture may need anything between ₹1 lakh and ₹5 lakhs while establishing a manufacturing unit may consume around ₹10 lakhs or more. Therefore it is significant to prepare a detailed business plan and budget yourself well before commencing.
What are the most lucrative businesses in Chhattisgarh?
Sectors such as agriculture based companies, food processing, artisanship tourism are some of the best paying industries within this state.
Are there specific licenses I need to obtain for starting up a business in Chhattisgarh?
Various licenses and permits might be required depending on the type of business that is being started. As an instance, if one intends to start processing food, he/she will require a food safety license from the FSSAI, while those intending to establish manufacturing units may have to clear with environmental pollution control authorities. Hence it’s always prudent seeking consultation from local government or legal practitioners so as comply with regulations set by various agencies regulating the sector. In addition you can also visit the official website of department of commerce and industries of Chhattisgarh government for more information.
What kind of barriers are there when opening up a company in Chhattisgarh?
Common challenges include understanding local laws, getting skilled laborers and facing stiff competition from well established businesses already doing similar things.Some industries may also experience logistics problems relating to transporting goods or managing supply chains due to their geographical locations.
Can one establish his/her own enterprise in Chhattisgarh without being native there?
Yes, outsiders are free to launch their companies. But it is advisable to get acquainted with the area’s market structure, customs and traditions besides its ways of doing non-business things. It would be better partnering with a regional entrepreneur or employing nearby workers.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.