Agriculture is not just for large-scale farmers with vast lands and expensive equipment. With creativity, resourcefulness, and the right support, anyone can start an agricultural enterprise—even with minimal or no capital! In New Lucena, the Local Government Unit (LGU) under the leadership of Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville actively promotes sustainable agriculture, empowering individuals and communities to explore innovative farming ventures. Here are 15 agricultural enterprises you can initiate with little investment and a lot of passion:

1. Urban Agriculture

        Make the most of unutilized spaces like backyards, rooftops, or vacant lots to cultivate vegetables and herbs. Urban farming promotes food security and provides a sustainable source of fresh produce for households and local markets.

2. Collaborative Gardening

        Strengthen community ties by partnering with neighbors or local organizations to establish a communal garden. This shared effort reduces individual costs while fostering teamwork and food sustainability.

3. Seed Harvesting

        Collect and preserve seeds from various plants to trade, sell, or donate. This simple yet impactful initiative helps ensure biodiversity and food security while reducing dependence on commercial seed suppliers.


4. Organic Waste Management

        Turn kitchen scraps and biodegradable waste into compost, an organic fertilizer that enriches soil. You can market compost to local farmers and gardening enthusiasts, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.


5. Small-Scale Poultry Farming

        Raise chickens for eggs and meat in your backyard. With proper care and minimal investment, poultry farming can provide a steady source of income and nutritious food.


6. Vermicomposting

        Utilize worms to break down organic waste into high-quality fertilizer. Vermicomposting is an eco-friendly practice that improves soil health and can be sold to gardeners and organic farmers.


7. Aquaponics

        Combine fish farming with hydroponics to cultivate both fish and plants in a sustainable, symbiotic system. Aquaponics maximizes production while conserving water and space.

8. Mushroom Cultivation

        Grow mushrooms using low-cost or recycled materials such as rice straw, sawdust, or banana leaves. Mushrooms are highly nutritious, in demand, and easy to cultivate even in small spaces.


9. Apiculture (Beekeeping)

        Start a small apiary and harvest honey, beeswax, and other bee products. Beekeeping supports pollination, boosts agricultural productivity, and provides an additional source of income.


10. Cultivation of Microgreens

        Microgreens are tiny but nutrient-dense vegetables that are easy to grow and highly profitable. They are popular among health-conscious consumers and can be sold to restaurants, markets, or direct customers.


11. Herb Cultivation

        Grow and sell culinary and medicinal herbs such as basil, oregano, mint, and lemongrass. These plants require minimal space and care but have high market value.


12. Rooftop Horticulture

        Maximize unused rooftop areas to grow fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. This practice helps reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and provide fresh produce for local consumption.

13. Mobile Agricultural Services

        Offer services like garden setup, maintenance, pest control, and landscaping. With basic knowledge of farming and gardening techniques, you can start a business that caters to urban dwellers and small-scale farmers.


14. Agricultural Tourism

        Transform your farm or garden into an eco-tourism site where visitors can experience farming firsthand. Offer workshops, farm tours, and interactive activities to educate and inspire guests about sustainable agriculture.


15. Virtual Agricultural Consultancy

        Use social media and online platforms to share farming tips, conduct virtual training, and provide consultancy services. With the rise of digital entrepreneurship, online agricultural coaching can be a valuable and scalable venture.

Empowering Communities Through Agriculture

        With the support of the New Lucena LGU and the visionary leadership of Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville, agricultural innovation is thriving. By embracing sustainable and cost-effective farming methods, individuals and communities can generate income, promote food security, and contribute to environmental conservation.

        Starting an agricultural enterprise doesn’t have to be expensive. With determination and the right knowledge, you can cultivate success while nourishing your community. Which of these agricultural ventures are you excited to start? Let’s grow together!


Photo: credit to the owner