In 2015, Sathya Raghu Mokkapati co-founded the agricultural startup Kheyti with Kaushik K, Saumya, and Ayush Sharma after witnessing the impact of crop failure on a farmer in his village. The company developed the 'Greenhouse-in-a-Box', a compact greenhouse designed specifically for smallholder farmers who often cannot afford conventional greenhouse structures.
The greenhouse creates a controlled microclimate that shields crops from excessive heat, heavy rain, and pest attacks. According to Kheyti, the structure reduces internal temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius compared to open fields and cuts pest incidence by 90 percent.
Water usage is reported to be 98 percent lower than conventional open-field irrigation, a figure the company says addresses increasing water scarcity and erratic rainfall patterns. The system is intended to give farmers greater control over growing conditions on a small portion of their land.
Kheyti offers the greenhouse in two sizes: a 320-square-meter model priced at approximately Rs 2 lakh and a 462-square-meter model at roughly Rs 3.35 lakh. The design aims to be more accessible than standard commercial greenhouses for farmers cultivating smaller plots.
Beyond installation, Kheyti provides farmers with guidance on crop selection, planting schedules, and cultivation techniques suited to the greenhouse environment. This support is intended to help farmers use the structure effectively and improve productivity.
The founders frame the technology as a practical response to climate pressures, allowing farmers to create more favorable conditions within a limited area rather than relying entirely on unpredictable outdoor weather. The goal is to reduce the risk that a single bad weather spell destroys an entire season's work.
Independent verification of the claimed temperature, pest reduction, and water savings figures was not provided in the source material. The company's statements describe the intended performance of the system.
Kheyti's approach focuses on adapting smallholder agriculture to hotter summers and less predictable water availability through a combination of physical infrastructure and agronomic advisory services.
After Seeing a Farmer Go Hungry, This Entrepreneur Built a Mini Greenhouse That Saves 98% Water
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