Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), India’s most populous state, is fast emerging as a lucrative destination for entrepreneurs. With strong infrastructure, access to raw materials, a vast consumer market, and proactive government policies, the state presents massive opportunities for business growth. If you want to start business in Uttar Pradesh, now is the perfect time. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an investor seeking regional expansion, U.P. offers a variety of profitable business ideas across sectors like manufacturing, food processing, handicrafts, agri-business, and services.
Want to Start Business in Uttar Pradesh (U.P.)? Here are Few Good Profitable Ideas for You.
This guide will walk you through some of the best, low-to-medium investment business opportunities in Uttar Pradesh. These ideas are chosen based on regional demand, availability of resources, and current industry trends.
1. Food Processing Business
Uttar Pradesh is India’s largest producer of food grains, sugarcane, mangoes, and milk. This makes food processing a top sector for investment.
Profitable Ideas:
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Mango pulp and juice unit (especially in Malihabad)
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Tomato ketchup and puree processing
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Dairy products (paneer, ghee, flavored milk)
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Pickle and papad manufacturing
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Cold storage for fruits and vegetables
Why It Works:
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Strong raw material base
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Central and state government subsidies under PMFME & AIF schemes
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Huge domestic and export demand
Also Read – How to Start Button Mushroom Farming
2. Agarbatti and Dhoop Stick Manufacturing
The demand for incense sticks is consistent across Indian households, temples, and export markets. U.P. offers affordable labor and easy raw material access.
Key Locations: Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi
Investment: ?2–5 lakhs for a small-scale unit
What You Need:
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Agarbatti making machine
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Charcoal powder, jigat powder, bamboo sticks
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Fragrance oils and packaging material
Profit Margin: High (can reach 25–30%)
3. Handicrafts and Wooden Furniture Making
Districts like Saharanpur are known globally for their wooden carvings and handcrafted furniture. Exporters and eCommerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have created new sales channels.
Best Product Categories:
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Decorative items
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Small wooden furniture
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Hand-carved photo frames
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Wooden toys
Tip: Use government support under the ODOP (One District One Product) scheme to scale up.
4. Textile and Readymade Garment Manufacturing
Cities like Meerut, Varanasi, and Kanpur have a rich legacy in textile production and are ideal for setting up small garment or textile units.
Top Opportunities:
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Hosiery and undergarments manufacturing
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School and corporate uniforms
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Bedsheet and home linen production
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Saree weaving and dyeing (especially in Varanasi)
Support: Access to low-cost labor and textile parks
5. Detergent Powder and Liquid Soap Manufacturing
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) like detergent powder and soaps have year-round demand in both urban and rural markets.
Start-Up Investment: ?3–8 lakhs
Production Essentials: Mixer, grinder, packaging machine
Scope: Can be started from home or small industrial shed
6. Papad and Namkeen Manufacturing
U.P. has a strong snacking culture. With the right recipes and hygiene, you can tap into both wholesale and retail markets.
Steps to Get Started:
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Source raw materials like flour, spices, oil
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Use semi-automatic machinery
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Package attractively with your brand label
Market Strategy: Tie up with kirana stores, sweet shops, and online sellers.
7. Agriculture-Based Businesses
Uttar Pradesh’s fertile land and abundant water resources make it perfect for agribusiness.
Lucrative Agribusiness Ideas:
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Organic vegetable farming
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Mushroom cultivation
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Medicinal plant cultivation (e.g., tulsi, ashwagandha)
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Vermicompost or organic fertilizer manufacturing
Government Support: Schemes from NABARD, NHM, and RKVY
8. Mobile Repairing and Accessories Store
With increasing smartphone penetration in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, this is a low-investment but high-return business.
Services You Can Offer:
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Phone repair and screen replacement
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Sale of chargers, covers, tempered glass
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SIM card and recharge services
Initial Setup Cost: ?1.5–3 lakhs
9. Bakery or Sweets Manufacturing Unit
U.P. has a rich tradition of sweets and baked goods. Starting a small bakery or mithai unit can generate good daily income.
Ideas to Consider:
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Khoya-based sweets (Barfi, Kalakand, etc.)
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Bakery items like bread, cakes, rusks
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Ready-to-eat snacks and biscuits
Location Tip: Choose a busy market area near schools or residential zones
10. E-Rickshaw Assembly and Spare Parts Business
As electric mobility gains ground, e-rickshaws are booming in U.P.’s cities and towns. Manufacturing, assembling, or supplying parts can be highly profitable.
Business Options:
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Battery repair and charging station
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Spare parts store
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E-rickshaw body fabrication
Support: Government EV promotion policies and subsidies
11. Printing and Packaging Services
With MSMEs and traders growing in the state, there’s a constant need for high-quality printing and packaging.
Services You Can Offer:
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Visiting cards, brochures, posters
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Product packaging and labeling
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T-shirt and mug printing
Best Locations: Near industrial clusters or marketplaces
12. Tourism-Linked Businesses
U.P. is home to major tourist attractions like Agra, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Mathura. You can tap into this industry with minimal investment.
Ideas:
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Heritage homestays or guest houses
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Tour guide services
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Souvenir shop
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Local cuisine restaurants
See More – Profitable Manufacturing & Processing Business Ideas in Haryana
Conclusion
If you want to start business in Uttar Pradesh, you’re in one of India’s best-positioned states for entrepreneurship. With growing infrastructure, government support, and access to raw materials and manpower, there are countless profitable ideas you can turn into successful ventures. Whether it’s food processing, handicrafts, garment manufacturing, or agri-based industries, U.P. is full of opportunities for aspiring business owners.