"Last month, we delivered our first container farm to the Maldives. We're currently in discussions with several resorts interested in the solution. Container farms make a great solution for import-dependent islands like these that comprises a never-ending list of luxury resorts. With just 160 square feet, a container can supply a resort's entire demand for fresh leafy greens," says Aneeshan Tyagarajah, Director of Honest Greens, a Sri Lanka based container farm supplier.
Coming from a farmer's background, Aneeshan has a grower's background. Founded in 2015, he and his team have been developing their solutions into a plug-and-system making indoor farming accessible to many. With so much hands-on experience, we felt ready to take the next step and bring everything we've learned into a compact, containerized system," Aneeshan explains.
'We don't just drop off and walk away'
Honest Greens currently sells two container farm models; a 20 footer, perfectly suiting for hotels and resorts and the 40 footer, for businesses ready to take on a larger share of the market. "For even bigger projects, we also offer custom-sized warehouse farms to support more extensive growing operations," Aneeshan shares. The current growing recipes hold for lettuce, kale, basil, herbs and microgreen cultivation, whereas there are ongoing trials for strawberries and tomatoes. With an integrated software, farmworkers are guided through their daily task list which make farm operations rather effortless.
Understanding the need of the client is key, at the startup. "We help clients calculate the potential payback period and other financial factors that could influence their decision. Once they're ready to move forward, the setup process typically takes about 90 days to complete."
A 20ft container
"But we don't just drop off the container and walk away. If they need extra support, installation and trainings can be held on-site to ensure everything runs smoothly," Aneeshan concludes. As he explains, the Sri Lanka base has been ideal for testing and refining the technology under the specific challenges of its climate. The current developed systems are well-suited to the startups' region but can also perform effectively globally.
Tackling challenges in Sri Lanka and beyond
Primarily designed for customers outside of Sri Lanka, domestically the firm runs a vertical farm, supplying various products to meet the needs of the majority of customers. "However, there are some remote areas in Sri Lanka that we currently can't reach, yet our farms could be a valuable solution bringing fresh produce closer to these underserved regions."
As Aneeshan finds, not all crops are suitable for indoor growth yet, though advancements in technology and the increasing availability of renewable energy are rapidly expanding the product portfolio. "Each improvement brings us closer to producing a more diverse range of crops sustainably and locally." As Aneeshan finds, being positioned along one of the world's busiest shipping lanes has given us a strategic advantage, reducing the logistics costs and time required to deploy units internationally.
Aiming below conventional pricing
With Honest Greens lettuce typically priced between $6 to $7 per kilogram, varieties like basil and kale. These products are generally higher priced due to their specialized growing, conditions the consistency, and quality make them an attractive option for customers.
For comparison, the average price of locally grown lettuce in Sri Lanka tends to range between LKR 200-400 per kilogram ($0,68 – $1,37), depending on the season (source: Sri Lanka Department of Census and Statistics). However, during adverse weather conditions or periods of low supply, outdoor-grown lettuce prices can spike, creating demand for consistent, reliable sources like container farms. In the Maldives, the cost of imported lettuce is considerably higher, with prices typically ranging from $8 to $12 per kilogram due to shipping and logistics expenses (source: Maldives National Bureau of Statistics). Insinuating that local production would offer a significant advantage over imported lettuce.
Honest Greens' farm in operation
Growing opportunities
Aneeshan's objective is to make his container farms globally accessible whilst refining the technology, supporting a wider variety of crops. "In order to make indoor farming more efficient and scalable, I want to be a key partner for new and existing farmers."
As for the domestic market, investments in general have been progressing steadily, and with tourism expected to rise, current farms will need to boost efficiency and crop yields to meet this rising demand. "While the severe economic challenges of recent years have slowed the growth of indoor farming, I believe the remaining players in the industry are well-prepared to adapt new technologies and practices to meet future needs," Aneeshan concludes.
For more information:
Honest Greens
Aneeshan Tyagarajah, Director
+94 117 024 251
[email protected]
www.honestgreens.asia