Stories from our greenhouses
- May 22
- 2 min read
Using low-cost greenhouses to support women farmers
In 2022 Jeevika Trust began a partnership with award-winning NGO, Kheyti, to trial Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in the form of low-cost greenhouses with women farmers and SHGs in tribal villages in Odisha. Since then, 15 greenhouses have been installed and communities are keen to see an expansion of the project recognising the opportunity it brings to reduce farm inputs, expand crop diversify and increase incomes. Here are some snapshots of the women benefitting from these greenhouses and their stories...
WHY LOW -COST GREENHOUSES?
Less expensive net houses or low-cost greenhouses offer a more affordable solution for the lowest income farmers
Up to 80% less water use, enabling sustainable water management in water scarce areas
Protection against pests, allowing farmers to produce higher value organic crops
CEA allows farmers to grow higher value crops such as capsicum, beans and okra
Building capacity to access new technologies
Our local partners, JRP, have helped women form self-help groups (SHGs) to also have access to the greenhouses. SHGs allow women to support each other in learning new skills and to share the burden of farm costs. In order to help them with marketing challenges, these women are also using Jeevika’s solar-powered cold storage to maximise their profits by selling their produce when prices are at their highest.
Sumitra's story:
Supported by JRP, Sumitra began by cultivating french beans in her net house. With only 500 rupee investment, only 100 rupees were directed towards irrigation, and another 400 rupees were used for seeds without use of pest control. The yields and profits were remarkable – her profit rose from 7% to 87% achieved by linking her high quality produce with our farm to doorstep scheme - Daspalla Fresh.
Suhasani’s story:
Suhasini struggled with high costs for pesticides and problems of water scarcity. Since using her greenhouse with support from JRP she has transitioned to organic farming, increased crop diversity and increased profits from 5% to 18%.
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