How to make money from salad and greens: profitable crops for small plots

In the context of growing food demand, limited agricultural land, and the need to increase rural incomes in Kyrgyzstan, small-scale farming is receiving increasing attention. This has been stated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources.

One promising area is the cultivation of salad greens—dill, parsley, cilantro, zhusa, and leaf lettuce—on plots of up to 0.1 hectares (10 acres). These crops have a short growing cycle, high market value, and stable demand, and can be harvested several times per season, making them attractive to farmers and households.

Economic calculations show high profitability of such crops with proper organization of production. For example, growing lettuce with a yield of about 1,500 kg per 10 acres at an average price of 250 KGS per kilogram can bring a net profit of more than 350,000 KGS with costs of around 17,000 KGS. Parsley and cilantro, with yields of up to 2,500 kg each at a price of 30–80 KGS per kilogram, also demonstrate high income—up to 238,000 KGS in net profit. Zhusaï, with the possibility of several harvests per season, can provide a stable income in the range of 40,000–70,000 KGS, while dill cultivation is characterized by lower margins, where net profit directly depends on market fluctuations and input costs.

To minimize risks and increase income stability, experts recommend using modern drip irrigation methods, regionalized and sustainable varieties of green crops, and diversifying plantings by combining several types of greens. It is equally important to provide farmers with access to markets through cooperatives, retail chains, and digital platforms, which will help maintain stable demand and timely sales of products.

In addition, the introduction of agroecological practices and organic farming can increase the added value of products and attract additional consumers interested in environmentally friendly goods. Despite certain risks associated with weather conditions, pests, and price volatility, the cultivation of salad greens remains a profitable and accessible form of small-scale business, contributing to food security and improving the socio-economic situation of farmers in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan.