The development of protected cultivation projects often involves overcoming both environmental and operational challenges, particularly during the early stages of establishment. At Keshorai Greens, a hydroponic greenhouse project in Arnetha, Kota district of Rajasthan, these challenges have become part of the learning process that is shaping the farm's production strategy.
Founded by Achin Mittal, the project focuses on hydroponic cucumber cultivation within a controlled greenhouse environment. According to Achin, the startup phase required adapting quickly to unpredictable conditions while maintaining a strong technical approach.
"In the early phase of any agri-startup, teething issues are inevitable. We experienced significant temperature fluctuations, along with challenges related to electricity and water stability. Yet the crop continued to push forward."
Despite these constraints, the farm has reported consistent production metrics. Current harvest data shows an average fruit length of approximately 18.5 cm, with fruit weights ranging from 165 g to 178 g. These figures reflect a stable production profile within the hydroponic system.
A key operational strength has been the farm's coordinated harvest management. During recent picking cycles, the production team harvested between eight and ten tonnes of cucumbers within a few hours while maintaining grading uniformity.
Flood event tested early infrastructure
However, the farm's most defining moment came even before commercial cultivation began. During the construction phase of the protected cultivation project, the region experienced unexpected flooding that surrounded the polyhouse structures and submerged a large volume of cocopeat substrate intended for the upcoming crop cycle.
"Months of planning suddenly looked uncertain," he recalls. The conventional response in such situations would typically involve discarding the compromised substrate and restarting preparation for planting. Instead, the team adopted a recovery strategy grounded in a technical assessment.
"The simplest decision would have been to discard everything and start fresh," Achin says. "But we chose a different approach."
The cocopeat was recovered, sterilized, and reconditioned for reuse. Seedlings were subsequently raised directly in the treated substrate before being transplanted into the production system.
© Keshorai Greens
Treated and recovered cocopeat bags on the right; harvest that followed on the left
"It was a risk, but it was also a test of technical confidence and resilience," he explains.
The results validated the approach. Cucumbers harvested from the rehabilitated substrate have reached lengths of up to 20 cm, demonstrating that the material could still support productive hydroponic cultivation after proper treatment.
© Keshorai Greens
Flood damage to cocopeat bags and greenhouse
Scaling harvest efficiency
Operational efficiency inside the greenhouse continues to improve as the farm gains experience. Recently, the team established a new daily harvest record of nine tonnes, surpassing the previous best of eight tonnes.
© Keshorai Greens
"A new milestone for the team," he says. "Managing such volumes inside a polyhouse environment demands constant monitoring, quick decision-making, and a committed workforce that understands the importance of quality and timing."
The next production goal is to reach a 12-tonne daily harvest benchmark, which would represent another step in scaling the farm's operational capacity.
He emphasizes that such progress relies heavily on team coordination across crop management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. "I am especially proud of the ground team and unit management," he says. "Achievements like this are built by people who show up every day and give their best, often behind the scenes."
"This achievement belongs to the Keshorai Greens team," he concludes. "They stood strong when the flood tested us and proved that commitment can turn adversity into results."
For more information:
Keshorai Greens
Achin Mittal, Founder
[email protected]
https://keshoraigreens.com
