High CAPEX remains a top challenge for modern greenhouse operators worldwide, with hi-tech automation often claiming over 30% of project costs and squeezing operational profitability, says Subhajit Sinha, Founder of India-based 4Climate, a CEA automation solutions provider. "The market sentiment is evolves towards solutions that deliver intelligent microclimate control, precision irrigation and nutrient-management, all while prioritizing ease of use, reliability, serviceability and rapid ROI for CEA growers."
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4Climate's automations target CEA adoption across hydroponics, aeroponics, and fogponics systems for exotic leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and berries in greenhouses and indoor vertical farms. Subhajit emphasizes that their expansion into open-field precision irrigation signals broader technology uptake in resource-stressed regions. "We went commercial in India in early 2024 after four years of R&D, with a GCC rollout mid-2025. Today, we support over 125 installations across India and MENA regions, managing 2 million sq. ft of farm area which generates $6.5 million annually. 85% of these installations are across hi-tech greenhouses and naturally ventilated poly-houses while 15% serve indoor vertical farms and speed breeding facilities."
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Subhajit highlights key projects including "Qatar's largest indoor vertical farm, ITC's commercial greenhouse in India, and facilities producing exotic strawberries year-round, including hot summers." He anticipates robust CEA growth this decade, driven by food security needs, sustainability mandates, and rising global demand.
"Europe already leads innovation via research and policy; the Middle East is accelerating implementation, while India and the Global South, particularly Southeast Asia and Africa, are introducing scalable, cost-effective systems for emerging markets," he reflects. "4Climate has been consistently performing well when it comes to providing CEA automation solutions for growers across India and GCC, largely due to the capacity to offer a high price-to-benefit ratio that delivers tangible value to farmers."
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As Subhajit sums it, India and MENA show strongest potential, driven by protected agriculture expansion and regional food security initiatives. "As CEA adoption shifts from pilots to scale, solutions balancing cost and performance will enable growers to navigate climate volatility profitably. 4Climate's 2025 recognitions as Top 10 Finalist at Gulfood's World AgriFoodTech Challenge 2026, Top 30 DeepTech Startup by YourStory TechSparks, Top 20 by the UAE-India CEPA Council, and Top 13 in Saudi Arabia's MEWA Sunbolah Program, highlight strong investor and industry confidence in such CEA technologies," he concludes.
For more information:
Subhajit Sinha
4Climate
Email: [email protected]
www.4climate.in
