Climate change poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers around the world. Erratic rainfall, extreme temperatures, pests and diseases can devastate crops and reduce incomes. To help these farmers adapt to the changing climate and grow more food with less water, an Indian startup called Kheyti has developed a low-cost, modular and scalable solution: the ‘greenhouse-in-a-box’.
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| Picture source: Kheyti |
What is the ‘greenhouse-in-a-box’?
The ‘greenhouse-in-a-box’ is a 216-square-meter greenhouse kit that can be installed on any piece of land. It comes with seeds, fertilizer, a drip irrigation system and a shade net that protects the crops from harsh weather and pests. The greenhouse uses 90% less water than traditional farming methods and can grow seven times more food per unit area. It also enables farmers to grow high-value crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and capsicum throughout the year, regardless of the season.
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| Picture source: Kheyti |
How does it benefit the farmers?
The ‘greenhouse-in-a-box’ helps smallholder farmers increase their yield and predictability of produce, which translates into higher and more stable incomes. According to Kheyti, farmers who use the greenhouse can earn up to $100 per month, which is double the average income of a smallholder farmer in India. The greenhouse also reduces the risk of crop failure due to climate shocks and improves the quality and safety of the produce.
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| Picture source: Kheyti |
How does Kheyti support the farmers?
Kheyti does not just sell the greenhouse kit to the farmers, but also provides them with end-to-end support services. These include installation, training, financing, market linkages and crop advisory. Kheyti partners with local organizations such as banks, NGOs and agribusinesses to deliver these services and ensure that the farmers have access to credit, inputs, technical assistance and buyers. Kheyti also monitors the performance of the greenhouses through a mobile app and provides feedback and guidance to the farmers.
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| www.kheyti.com |
What is the impact and potential of Kheyti?
Kheyti was founded in 2015 by four young entrepreneurs who wanted to make a difference in the lives of smallholder farmers. Since then, Kheyti has reached over 1,500 farmers in six states of India and aims to reach 50,000 farmers by 2027. Kheyti’s innovation has been recognized by several awards and honors, including the 2022 Earthshot Prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category. Kheyti’s vision is to create a global movement of smart farmers who use technology to overcome climate challenges and achieve food security.
The ‘greenhouse-in-a-box’ is a remarkable innovation that deserves more attention and support from the public and private sectors. It is not only a practical and affordable solution for smallholder farmers who face the brunt of climate change, but also a promising way to enhance food security and environmental protection for the world. Kheyti’s vision of creating a global movement of smart farmers who use technology to overcome climate challenges is inspiring and commendable.
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