Introduction:
In a world where 80% of farms span less than two hectares, small-hold farmers are responsible for producing a third of the planet’s food. However, these same farmers are among the poorest and most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. India, home to 100 million small-hold farmers, faces severe agricultural challenges. From record-breaking heatwaves to unpredictable weather, the effects of climate change have left Indian farmers in dire need of sustainable solutions. Kheyti, an Indian startup, has emerged as a beacon of hope for these farmers with its innovative Greenhouse-in-a-Box, offering a lifeline to those battling climate extremes. Through this game-changing solution, Kheyti is revolutionizing agriculture by helping farmers increase yields, reduce water consumption, and build sustainable futures.Key Event – The Birth of Kheyti’s Greenhouse-in-a-Box
The climate crisis in India has escalated into a nationwide emergency. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and destructive pests have crippled the livelihoods of small-hold farmers. It was in the heart of this crisis that Saumya, Kaushik Kappagantula, and Sathya Raghu, co-founders of Kheyti, saw an opportunity to make a difference. Interviewing over 1,000 farmers across India, they were struck by the severity of the challenges. “Farmers were talking about summers being harsher than ever, and pests they had never seen before,” said Saumya. The team quickly realized that a solution was needed not only to protect crops but to secure farmers’ livelihoods. And so, the Greenhouse-in-a-Box was born.
Designed for small-hold farmers, the modular greenhouse provides protection from the climate’s worst elements. The structure retains moisture, reduces heat, and keeps pests at bay. Farmers can cultivate high-value crops such as cucumbers and tomatoes all year round, regardless of weather conditions. The impact was immediate—plants in the greenhouse require 98% less water than those outdoors, and crop yields are seven times higher.
Journey to Innovation
Kheyti’s journey wasn’t without its own hurdles. When the team built their first greenhouse using bamboo to keep costs low, it collapsed in the very first storm. But the team was undeterred. They redesigned the greenhouse with steel to withstand harsh weather conditions. Not only that, they worked closely with banks to help farmers finance the structure’s initial $4,200 cost. Kheyti provided seeds, fertilizers, and personalized training, enabling farmers to grow crops suited to the greenhouse environment. The support from Kheyti went beyond just selling the greenhouse—it was about equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge to make the most out of their investment.Obstacles Overcome and Scaling Up
The challenge of affordability was still pressing. Though farmers saw the value, the cost was a significant hurdle. The founders of Kheyti took this challenge head-on and worked tirelessly to bring down the greenhouse cost to just $1,200. This made the technology accessible to many more farmers, who could now invest in it without external financing.With the help of partnerships, such as those with the Aga Khan Foundation and global corporations like Deloitte, Kheyti further improved their product design and strategy. By 2023, Kheyti had launched its cheapest and most efficient greenhouse yet. Through these collaborations, Kheyti expanded its operations and grew from serving 200 farmers in 2021 to over 1,700 in 2023, saving 2.5 million tonnes of water in the process.
Achievements and the Earthshot Prize
In 2022, Kheyti’s incredible impact was recognized on the global stage when it won the prestigious Earthshot Prize, awarded by Prince William to the world’s most innovative environmental solutions. The £1 million prize helped Kheyti scale up its operations, doubling its team and expanding its reach. With the prize money, Kheyti invested in refining its product, technology, and service strategies, as well as expanding its sales channels and setting up a franchise model.The startup’s growth didn’t stop there. Kheyti is now working with 16 NGO partners, granting them access to over 200,000 farmers across India. By 2027, Kheyti aims to reach 50,000 small-hold farmers, ensuring that climate-resilient agriculture is no longer a dream but a reality.
Transforming Farmers’ Lives
For farmers like Rajesh, a farmer from Telangana, the Greenhouse-in-a-Box has been life-changing. With his income doubled, Rajesh can now send his children to school, invest in better equipment, and expand his farming operations. “Before Kheyti, I could barely grow enough to survive,” Rajesh shared. “Now, I have more crops than I know what to do with, and I’m earning enough to secure my family’s future.”Kheyti’s vision extends beyond profitability. The startup has committed itself to sustainable farming practices. The greenhouses use significantly less water, reducing dependency on dwindling water resources, and require fewer pesticides, protecting both the crops and the environment.
Timeline of Key Events:
- 2015: Kheyti is founded by Saumya, Kaushik Kappagantula, and Sathya Raghu in Hyderabad, India.
- 2017: Initial greenhouse prototype is developed, but fails in the first storm.
- 2019: Redesigned steel-frame Greenhouse-in-a-Box is launched, in partnership with local banks.
- 2021: Kheyti reaches 200 small-hold farmers.
- 2022: Kheyti wins the Earthshot Prize to Protect and Restore Nature, accelerating its growth.
- 2023: Kheyti expands to 1,700 farmers and saves 2.5 million tonnes of water, working with 16 NGO partners across India.
Key Takeaways:
Kheyti’s Greenhouse-in-a-Box is a testament to how innovation and sustainable solutions can transform lives. By addressing the root causes of climate challenges faced by small-hold farmers, Kheyti has more than doubled their incomes, enabled access to education for their children, and safeguarded crops against climate extremes. The collaboration between farmers, NGOs, and global corporations has amplified Kheyti’s reach, proving that scaling social impact is not only possible but necessary in today’s world. With a bold goal of reaching 50,000 farmers by 2027, Kheyti is on track to reshape the future of agriculture in India and beyond.This story of Kheyti highlights the importance of resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable innovation in building a better future for those most affected by climate change. It’s not just a tale of technological breakthrough—it’s a story of hope.
