If given the option, would you prefer buying vegetables from the market or cultivating them in your own backyard? For many city dwellers, the answer is often, “What is a backyard?” The constraints of urban living make the notion of homegrown food seem far-fetched for countless individuals. To address this gap, several urban farming startups in India have emerged, promising to transform available spaces into productive gardens.
Whether residing in a bustling metropolis or a quieter suburb, most people have at least some underutilized area, such as a terrace, balcony, or even window grills. This is where urban farming companies see potential. Kaustubh Khare, co-founder of Delhi-based Khetify, highlights that India has roughly 16,000 square kilometers of unused rooftop area. He notes, “If we can convert just 10 percent into farming, there’s significant opportunity.” Khetify offers customized packages, starting at Rs. 10,000 for five khets in a 20 square feet balcony space, with costs varying based on the size of the installation.
While some people equate innovation with advanced technology, others seek simpler, effective solutions. Urban farming startups aim to provide just that. The companies consulted by Gadgets 360 offer all-in-one kits that facilitate easy gardening, requiring minimal effort apart from regular watering. Furthermore, these companies often include maintenance services for an additional fee.
This Bengaluru-Based Firm Wants to Help You Grow Your Greens at Home
Homegrown and Hassle-Free
Hyderabad-based Homecrop draws inspiration from the Cuban model of urban agriculture. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse, Cuba faced dire food shortages due to its dependence on imports. This led to a surge in urban farming, as the nation shifted toward organic methods without access to chemical fertilizers.
“We provide a farming kit specifically designed for terrace use,” explains Homecrop’s Manvitha Reddy. “These kits utilize coco peat instead of traditional soil, facilitating quicker root growth and eliminating the need for soil replacement every six months.” Homecrop’s kits also feature a protective green canopy for plants against harsh weather conditions. She notes that prior to germination, daily watering is required, and post-germination, the frequency decreases to once every three to seven days.
Homecrop’s basic kit, sized at 15 square feet, is available for Rs. 7,500 and allows for the growth of four vegetable types simultaneously. This package includes basic service support, normally priced at Rs. 1,000 for additional assistance through calls, emails, and on-site visits. For those needing more guidance, premium packages are also offered.
For residents who lack even minimal terrace space, Mumbai-based iKheti provides alternative options. Founder Priyanka Amar Shah states, “You can cultivate lemon, chili, and curry leaves on window grills. For beginners, we recommend starting with microgreens.”
Shah mentions that microgreens can be grown on kitchen countertops and are highly nutritious. iKheti also offers crates aimed at balcony and terrace gardening. Seed packets are generally priced at Rs. 50, while DIY kits range from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,000 per square foot.
Nonetheless, many individuals in Mumbai struggle to find even that amount of space at home, illustrating the unique challenges posed by each urban area. Consequently, scaling such businesses is difficult. Homecrop serves only Hyderabad presently but has plans to expand to Chennai and Bengaluru. iKheti operates in Mumbai and its suburbs, while Khetify is focused on Delhi.
Addressing Tele-Farming Challenges
Khetify’s Kaustubh Khare acknowledges that each city’s distinctive weather and housing conditions complicate scalability. “We maintain a resource map of pests affecting plants in the Delhi-NCR region,” he explains, noting that conditions can vary greatly from city to city, making it challenging to establish a universal model.
The management of water seepage poses another obstacle for terrace and balcony gardens. Over time, water accumulation can compromise building structures, with damage manifesting through issues like leaking ceilings. Khetify employs drip irrigation systems in its “khet” (farm) boxes as a preventive measure, a strategy mirrored by other startups who strive to keep water from pooling on rooftops or balconies.
Maintenance presents yet another barrier preventing many from engaging in urban farming. Khetify addresses this concern by offering a comprehensive maintenance package that spans a year. “We host a WhatsApp group for our customers. If they encounter any issues with their plants, they can simply send us a photograph, and we can identify 85 to 90 percent of problems just by examining the image,” Khare states, complementing this with monthly visits to ensure proper care.
Homecrop uses technology to facilitate similar practices, offering long-distance consultations via calls and messages, while iKheti allows scheduling for kitchen gardening and composting consultations through its website.
Barriers to Urban Farming
Bengaluru-based Greentechlife, established in 2009, presents a contrasting narrative to newer startups. Founder Arijit Mitra asserts, “The agricultural methods we currently employ are detrimental to the planet.” His objective with Greentechlife is to shift these practices. He critiques the use of NPK fertilizers, claiming they standardize the flavor of vegetables throughout the year at the expense of quality and health.
However, Mitra exudes skepticism about the urban farming business model. “Farming isn’t going to be the next big startup phenomenon,” he asserts. “There are numerous barriers to entry. For plants to thrive, they typically require six to eight hours of sunlight daily, which is often lacking in densely populated cities where buildings tower close together, blocking light.”
Mitra mentions Greentechlife’s “plug-and-play” smart gardens, designed for minimal maintenance, requiring watering only a few times a year. Despite this, the company has sold only around 50 units. Interestingly, their Smartbin—a dustbin that facilitates waste composting—has emerged as the more successful product, though it is notably pricey at around Rs. 20,680 for a 16.25 square foot setup, which includes all necessary equipment and lifetime support.
Though the offerings may be on the expensive side, these urban farming kits often require an initial investment. Most cost around Rs. 600 per square foot, leading to considerable expenses for those hoping to produce 10 kg of vegetables weekly.
iKheti’s Priyanka Amar Shah notes that collaborative purchasing arrangements among housing societies have proven effective. By dividing costs and scheduling sharing of produce, community gardening appears to become a more feasible option for urban residents.
It is also vital to manage expectations regarding these farming kits. Simply purchasing a kit does not guarantee a constant supply of vegetables, as plants require daily attention to ensure their health. While startup companies provide support, Shah emphasizes, “Taking care of plants is essential. They are living entities.”
