The agri-startups in the coastal district are supporting individuals who are embracing healthy eating, focusing on food free from pesticides and other chemicals. With the introduction of healthy fresh vegetables, there is a growing trend in healthy eating that is transforming the startup farming sector.
Take, for example, Green Monkey Farms—a local venture started by two passionate entrepreneurs with backgrounds in commerce, who are now redefining how Mangaluru consumes fresh greens. Specializing in hydroponically grown organic vegetables, they have carved out a niche for themselves. Their range includes kale, microgreens, baby spinach, baby arugula, Italian basil, and a few other carefully selected greens. What sets them apart is not just their produce, but the years of research and development they invested to adapt hydroponic farming techniques to suit the Mangaluru climate.
The journey began with Vijwal Vas, who trained in hydroponics for two years in Dharwad and later worked as head grower at a prominent hydroponic farm in Bengaluru. He started small—right in his backyard—and gradually expanded operations to a larger, modern facility in Paldane.
He was later joined by Rohan Raj. "We started without knowing how Mangalureans would respond," said Vijwal. "But over the years, we found great support—especially as more people are including fresh vegetables like kale and microgreens in their daily diets."
Read more at Times of India