There exists a startup with a simple mission: help small farmers earn more money and protect their crops from unpredictable weather. Its none other than Kheyti. Kheyti is an Indian agri-tech startup that was founded in 2015 by Sathya Raghu Mokkapati, Kaushik Kappagantulu, Saumya, and Ayush Sharma, Kheyti is based in Hyderabad and operates across several Indian states.
The Big Idea: Greenhouse-in-a-Box
Kheyti’s main product is called the Greenhouse-in-a-Box. This is a low-cost, modular greenhouse designed especially for small farmers. Unlike traditional greenhouses, which are expensive and large, Kheyti’s version fits on just 2-5% of a farmer’s land and costs about 50% less.
How Does Kheyti Work?
Kheyti doesn’t just sell greenhouses. It offers a complete solution for farmers:
- Greenhouse kit: Easy to assemble and maintain.
- High-quality seeds and fertilizers: Provided to maximize yields.
- Training and advisory: Experts teach farmers how to get the best results.
- Financing: Partnerships with banks like Bank of Baroda help farmers afford the kit through loans.
- Market access: Kheyti connects farmers to buyers, helping them sell their produce.
Impact So Far
- Over 1,500 farmers across 14 states are using Kheyti’s greenhouses.
- Farmers have seen their incomes double or even triple after adopting the system.
- Kheyti’s model has won several awards, including the Earthshot Prize in 2022 for protecting and restoring nature.
- The startup aims to reach 1 million farmers by 2025.
Innovation and Growth
Kheyti keeps improving its technology. For example, it is now working on integrating solar panels into its greenhouses, so farmers can generate electricity and further increase their income. The company pays close attention to farmers’ feedback and constantly change its products to make them easier and more useful.
India’s small farmers face huge challenges: unpredictable weather, water shortages, and unstable incomes and startups like Kheyti offer simple, affordable solutions that help them grow more food, earn more money, and build a better future for their families.
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