Mealworm Farming Setup Cost in Pakistan (Complete Breakdown)
Mealworm Farming Setup Cost in Pakistan (Complete Breakdown)
Mealworm farming is one of the most affordable and beginner-friendly micro-farming businesses in Pakistan. It requires low investment, small space, simple equipment, and minimal monthly expenses. Whether you’re planning to start at home or build a small commercial unit, understanding the setup cost is essential before you begin. Before investing, read How to Start Mealworm Farming.
This guide provides a detailed, realistic breakdown of the complete investment required to start mealworm farming in Pakistan, including tray costs, bedding, moisture food, racks, tools, drying methods, and startup colonies. You’ll also learn ongoing monthly expenses and how long it takes to reach profit.
Let’s begin.
⭐ 1. How Much Does It Cost to Start Mealworm Farming?
A basic mealworm farm in Pakistan can be started with:
PKR 10,000 – 30,000 (Home Setup)
PKR 40,000 – 90,000 (Small Commercial Setup)
PKR 100,000 – 250,000 (Medium Business Setup)
The cost depends on:
- Number of trays
- Size of starter colony
- Quality of racks
- Drying equipment
- Expansion plan
Here is the full breakdown for all three levels.
⭐ 2. Home Mealworm Farming Setup Cost (PKR 10,000 – 30,000)
This setup is ideal for beginners, students, small families, and hobby farmers.
2.1 Trays (3–5 Trays)
Cost per tray: PKR 300–600
Total: PKR 1,500 – 3,000
2.2 Bedding Material (Wheat Bran / Oats)
Required: 5–10 kg
Price: PKR 60–90 per kg
Total: PKR 300 – 900
2.3 Moisture Food (Carrots, Potatoes)
Monthly cost: PKR 100 – 300
2.4 Starter Mealworm Colony
- 500g larvae = PKR 2,000
- 1kg larvae = PKR 3,000–5,000
- 300–500 beetles = PKR 2,000–4,000
Recommended: 1 kg larvae
Total: PKR 3,000 – 5,000
2.5 Optional Drawer System
Plastic drawer unit: PKR 2,500–4,000
2.6 Basic Tools - Plastic sifter: PKR 200–500
- Gloves: PKR 100
- Water spray bottle: PKR 150
Total: PKR 300–600
Total Cost (Home Setup):
PKR 10,000 – 20,000 (basic)
PKR 20,000 – 30,000 (better starter kits)
This setup produces 4–8 kg dried mealworms per month after scaling.
⭐ 3. Small Commercial Mealworm Setup Cost (PKR 40,000 – 90,000)
This is for someone who wants to make mealworm farming a proper business.
3.1 Trays (20–40 Trays)
Cost: PKR 300–500 each
Total: PKR 6,000 – 20,000
3.2 Bedding Material (25–40 kg)
Price: PKR 60–80 per kg
Total: PKR 1,500 – 3,200
3.3 Moisture Foods
Monthly: PKR 250 – 400
3.4 Starter Colony
Recommended:
- 3–5 kg larvae
Price: PKR 15,000 – 25,000
3.5 Rack System (4–6 Shelves)
Metal or wood racks
Cost: PKR 6,000 – 12,000
3.6 Sifters & Tools
Professional mesh sifters
Cost: PKR 1,000 – 2,500
3.7 Cleaning Supplies
Cloth covers, baskets
Cost: PKR 500 – 1,000
Total Cost (Small Commercial):
PKR 40,000 – 90,000
Production after scaling:
10–20 kg dried worms monthly
⭐ 4. Medium Commercial Mealworm Setup Cost (PKR 100,000 – 250,000)
This level supports ongoing supply to farms, pet shops, and feed buyers.
4.1 Trays (60–150 Trays)
Cost: PKR 300–500
Total: PKR 18,000 – 60,000
4.2 Bedding Material (60–100 kg)
Cost: PKR 4,000 – 7,000
4.3 Moisture Source
Monthly: PKR 400 – 700
4.4 Large Starter Colony
- 10–20 kg larvae
Cost: PKR 50,000 – 100,000
4.5 Heavy-Duty Racks
Metal racks (8–12 shelves)
Cost: PKR 20,000 – 35,000
4.6 Oven for Drying Mealworms
Small electric oven (70–80°C drying)
Cost: PKR 12,000 – 20,000
4.7 Backup Fans & Temperature Control
Cost: PKR 3,000 – 6,000
4.8 Sifting Equipment
Cost: PKR 2,000 – 4,000
Total Cost (Medium Commercial):
PKR 100,000 – 250,000
Production potential:
30–60 kg dried worms monthly
⭐ 5. Detailed Cost Breakdown by Component
Let’s break down all components in detail:
⭐ 5.1 Trays (Most Important Component)
Trays = 10–40% of total cost depending on size.
Price ranges:
- Small trays: PKR 250–300
- Medium trays: PKR 350–450
- Large trays: PKR 500–600
HDPE trays are the strongest.
⭐ 5.2 Bedding / Feed Cost
Bedding is both food and habitat.
Cost per farm scale:
- Home: 5–8 kg
- Small farm: 20–40 kg
- Medium farm: 50–100 kg
Monthly cost: PKR 300 – 1,500
Very low compared to poultry/fish feed.
⭐ 5.3 Moisture Food Cost
Carrots, potatoes, apples
Monthly cost: PKR 100 – 700
⭐ 5.4 Electricity / Utilities
If using an oven for drying:
Monthly: PKR 500 – 1,500
If natural drying used:
Cost = 0
⭐ 5.5 Labor Cost (Optional)
Small farms usually manage themselves.
Medium farms may hire part-time labor.
⭐ 6. How Long Until You Recover Investment?
Recovery time:
- Home setup: 1–2 months
- Small setup: 2–3 months
- Medium setup: 3–5 months
Because mealworm farming has: - Low feed cost
- High selling price
- Zero wasted material (even frass sells)
Anyone can begin with limited space by following proven steps on how to start your own mealworm farm at home.
⭐ 7. Monthly Profit Calculation
Home Setup (4–8 kg)
Income: PKR 10,000 – 25,000
Small Business (10–20 kg)
Income: PKR 25,000 – 60,000
Medium Farm (30–60 kg)
Income: PKR 60,000 – 150,000+
Profit varies based on:
- Drying quality
- Packaging
- Selling channel (wholesale/retail)
- Beetle health
- Temperature control
⭐ 8. Cost Saving Tips for Pakistan Farmers
- Buy trays in bulk from plastic markets
- Use local wheat bran instead of oats
- Install a simple rack (wood/metal)
- Dry mealworms naturally in summer
- Use mesh covers instead of lids
- Start with larvae, not beetles
- Expand gradually every 30 days
⭐ 9. Common Cost Mistakes Beginners Make
- Buying too many beetles too soon
- Using expensive imported trays
- Using deep bins instead of shallow trays
- Buying too much bedding
- Overfeeding moisture fruits
- Buying industrial ovens unnecessarily
Keep it simple in the beginning.
⭐ 10. Internal Linking Suggestions
From this article, link to:
- “Mealworm Farming Profit Calculation in Pakistan”
- “Best Containers & Trays for Mealworm Farming”
- “How to Start Mealworm Farming at Home”
- “Mealworm Lifecycle Explained”
- “How to Sell Mealworms in Pakistan”
⭐ 11. Final Conclusion
Mealworm farming is one of the most affordable and low-risk agriculture businesses in Pakistan. Whether you begin with a home setup or plan a commercial unit, the investment is small compared to the monthly return. With proper trays, good bedding, a reliable starter colony, and consistent temperature, you can recover your investment within a few months and scale the business steadily. For returns estimation, see Mealworm Farming Profit Calculation in Pakistan.
Start small, learn the lifecycle, keep your trays clean, and expand every 30–40 days. This is how mealworm farmers grow from a 10,000-rupee hobby setup to earning 30,000–150,000 rupees per month reliably.