Growing microgreens in Ukraine represent a promising business opportunity, combining low startup costs with high demand. Essential components include a small space, shelving units, containers, quality soil or substrate, seeds, and systems for lighting and irrigation. It's possible to begin even in a home kitchen.
Popular initial crops for microgreen cultivation include peas, radishes, sunflowers, and broccoli. Success in this field often involves expanding the product range to include exclusive varieties.
Key challenges include quality control and competition. Maintaining the right conditions—temperature, humidity, and lighting—is crucial. While competition is growing, high-quality products and excellent service can help businesses stand out. The ongoing war in Ukraine has caused disruptions for many farmers, but the demand from supermarkets and restaurants is helping the industry recover.
Microgreens have significant potential in Ukraine and could provide a steady income driven by the increasing interest in healthy eating. Entrepreneurs can sell products, develop brands, offer courses, and expand their product range. Greenhouse cultivation could be the next step for growing businesses.
In Sumy, entrepreneur Bohdan Kovalenko has successfully developed a microgreens business. Starting from home experiments, Bohdan supplies microgreens to 72 supermarkets and 40 restaurants. Despite a temporary halt due to the war, his farm has resumed operations. Bohdan also offers microgreen cultivation courses and plans to expand into greenhouse farming after the war.
Source: mistosumy.com