Entrepreneurial Mini-Greenhouse Promises Major Water Savings for Small Farmers

An agricultural startup named Kheyti, co-founded in 2015 by Sathya Raghu Mokkapati, Kaushik K, Saumya, and Ayush Sharma, has developed a compact greenhouse designed to support smallholder farmers facing environmental uncertainties.

The innovation, dubbed 'Greenhouse-in-a-Box', aims to provide a controlled growing environment that shields crops from harsh weather conditions, pests, and excessive heat. According to the founders, the structure can reduce temperatures by 2-4 degrees Celsius and decrease pest presence by 90 percent.

A primary benefit highlighted is significant water conservation. The greenhouse system is reported to save 98 percent of the water typically used in conventional open-field irrigation, a critical factor in areas experiencing water shortages or unpredictable rainfall.

Kheyti also offers farmers guidance on crop selection, planting schedules, and cultivation techniques to optimize the use of the greenhouse and enhance productivity. The 'Greenhouse-in-a-Box' is available in two sizes, covering 320 and 462 square metres, with costs around Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3.35 lakh respectively. These are positioned as more accessible alternatives to conventional greenhouses for farmers with smaller landholdings.

Key Facts

• The 'Greenhouse-in-a-Box' was developed by the agricultural startup Kheyti, founded in 2015.
• The founders of Kheyti are Sathya Raghu Mokkapati, Kaushik K, Saumya, and Ayush Sharma.
• The greenhouse is designed to protect crops from extreme weather, excessive heat, and pests.
• It reportedly reduces excess heat by 2-4 degrees Celsius and pests by 90 percent.
• The system is claimed to save 98 percent of water compared to open-field irrigation.
• Two sizes are available: 320 square metres for approximately Rs 2 lakh and 462 square metres for approximately Rs 3.35 lakh.