Snapshot
Rabbit farming in India is a low-investment, high-return livestock business ideal for small farmers and rural entrepreneurs. With an initial setup cost of ₹50,000–₹80,000, farmers can rear popular breeds like New Zealand White and Soviet Chinchilla for meat, fur, or pets. Requiring minimal space and offering quick reproduction (6–8 litters/year), the business can yield profits of ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh annually. The feeding cost is low, and rabbits grow fast, making it a sustainable and scalable venture. Government schemes like NABARD and PM Mudra Yojana further support new entrants into this field.
Rabbit farming in India is emerging as a profitable and low-investment agribusiness, especially for small-scale farmers and rural entrepreneurs. With high reproduction rates, fast growth, low space needs, and increasing demand for rabbit meat and fur, this venture holds huge potential. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to get started and succeed in rabbit farming in India.
What is Rabbit Farming?
Rabbit farming refers to the breeding and raising of rabbits for commercial purposes like meat, fur, wool, and pets. It requires less land, capital, and maintenance compared to traditional livestock like goats or cows.
Types of Rabbit Farming:
- Commercial Rabbit Farming: Large-scale, for meat and fur.
- Backyard Rabbit Farming: Small-scale, often for local consumption or pets.
Expert Tip: Start small and scale gradually as you gain experience.
Benefits of Rabbit Farming in India
- Low initial investment
- High reproduction rate: 1 rabbit can give birth to 40–50 kits per year.
- Short gestation period: Just 30–31 days.
- Quick return on investment
- Low space requirement
- Dual market: Meat and pet lovers
Comparison of Rabbit vs Other Livestock
| Feature | Rabbit | Goat | Chicken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gestation Period | 30–31 days | 150 days | 21 days |
| Litter Size | 6–12 | 1–3 | 10–12 |
| Maturity Age | 4–5 months | 10–12 months | 5–6 months |
Note: Ideal for women, youth, and marginal farmers.
Rabbit Breeds Suitable for Indian Conditions
Choose breeds based on your purpose – meat, fur, or pets.
Popular Meat Breeds:
- New Zealand White
- Californian White
- Grey Giant
- Soviet Chinchilla
Popular Fur/Wool Breeds:
- Angora
- Rex
Breed Selection Table:
| Breed Name | Purpose | Avg. Weight | Growth Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand White | Meat | 4–5 kg | Fast |
| Soviet Chinchilla | Meat & Fur | 4–6 kg | Medium |
| Angora | Wool | 2.5–3.5 kg | Slow |
Cost of Setting Up a Rabbit Farm
Initial Investment Breakdown:
| Component | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Cages (for 20 rabbits) | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Breeding stock (10 rabbits) | 12,000 – 15,000 |
| Feed (3 months) | 6,000 – 8,000 |
| Housing shed | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 5,000 |
Total Setup Cost (for 20 rabbits): ₹50,000 – ₹80,000
Housing & Cage Setup
- Rabbits are sensitive to heat and moisture.
- Use elevated cages or hutch systems.
- Maintain good ventilation and cleanliness.
Cage Specifications:
| Parameter | Standard Size |
|---|---|
| Cage Size | 3x2x2 feet |
| Space per Rabbit | 1 sq. ft. minimum |
| Flooring | Wire mesh |
| Temperature | 15°C – 25°C |
Feeding Chart & Nutritional Needs
Rabbits are herbivores; their diet must be balanced with fibre, protein, and calcium.
Common Feeds:
- Green Grass (40%)
- Rabbit Pellets (30%)
- Grains like wheat bran, maize (20%)
- Vegetables (10%)
Daily Feed Requirement Table:
| Rabbit Age | Feed Type | Quantity (g/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Kit (1–2 mo) | Milk + soft feed | 50–100 |
| Grower | Greens + pellets | 150–200 |
| Adult | Pellets + grains | 250–300 |
Note: Provide fresh, clean water always.
Breeding & Reproduction Management
- Reaches maturity at 5–6 months
- Mating Ratio: 1 male: 5 females
- Gestation: ~30 days
- Weaning: at 30–35 days
- Up to 6–8 litters per year
Expert Tip: Use record-keeping to track fertility, mating, and litter details.
Rabbit Diseases & Their Prevention
Common Diseases:
- Pasteurellosis (Snuffles)
- Coccidiosis
- Myxomatosis
- Ear mites
Prevention Tips:
- Clean cages regularly
- Avoid overcrowding
- Vaccinate timely
- Quarantine new rabbits
Disease vs Symptoms
| Disease | Symptoms | Treatment/Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Snuffles | Nasal discharge | Antibiotics, hygiene |
| Coccidiosis | Diarrhea, weakness | Anticoccidial drugs |
| Ear Mites | Head shaking, itching | Ivermectin |
Marketing Rabbit Meat, Fur & By-Products
Rabbit meat is white, lean, high-protein and gaining urban popularity.
Marketing Channels:
- Local meat shops
- Hotels, restaurants
- Direct-to-consumer (D2C)
- Pet shops for live rabbits
- Fur and wool market
Note: Develop a local customer base before scaling production.
Profit Margin in Rabbit Farming
Profit Estimate for 1-Year Cycle:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| No. of Breeding Rabbits | 10 (8F + 2M) |
| Avg. Kits/year | 400–500 |
| Mortality Rate | 10% |
| Saleable Rabbits | ~450 |
| Avg. Price per Rabbit | ₹250 – ₹350 |
| Total Revenue | ₹1,12,500 – ₹1,57,500 |
| Annual Expenses | ₹60,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Net Profit | ₹50,000 – ₹77,500 |
Expert Advice: Reinvest 20% of profits in expanding your breeding stock.
Government Subsidies & Loan Schemes
- NABARD offers livestock loans under the Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS)
- PM Mudra Yojana for small rabbit farming units
- State Animal Husbandry departments provide cage subsidies in select states
Note: Check eligibility at the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
Rabbit Farming Business Plan (Step-by-Step)
- Market Research – Demand, competition, target customers
- Choose Rabbit Breed – Based on climate & goal
- Farm Location & Housing – Secure, ventilated, easy to clean
- Buy Breeding Stock – From certified farms
- Feeding & Care Plan – Use local, cost-effective feed
- Health & Vaccination Schedule – Regular checkups
- Marketing Strategy – Partner with local meat sellers
- Record Keeping – Breeding, health, expenses, sales
- Scaling Plan – Gradually increase breeding units
Conclusion
Rabbit farming is a low-risk, high-return livestock venture that is gaining momentum in India. With the right planning, quality breed, and basic care, even a beginner can achieve good profits. Whether you’re a farmer looking to diversify or a young entrepreneur seeking low-investment ideas, rabbit farming offers a scalable and sustainable model.
Explore more blogs to boost your farming knowledge and make smarter agri-business moves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, with proper planning and breed management, you can earn ₹50,000–₹80,000 annually with low investment.
New Zealand White is considered the best meat-producing breed in India.
Very minimal – a 10×10 ft. shed is enough to house 20–30 rabbits.
Yes, backyard rabbit farming is possible with proper hygiene and ventilation.
₹150–₹250 per rabbit, depending on feed sources.
Ideally, 1 per cage to avoid fighting; use bigger cages for kits.
Yes, especially for diseases like Myxomatosis and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD).
Meat markets, hotels, pet stores, or directly to consumers.
Increasingly, yes, especially in metro cities due to their health benefits.
Yes, schemes like NABARD subsidy and PM Mudra Yojana support livestock farming.
