7 ms·

$60,000 seems like a lot of amount for starving and underdeveloped areas. I went to their funding page and read more about what's inside the "box" https://repu

$60,000 seems like a lot of amount for starving and underdeveloped areas. I went to their funding page and read more about what's inside the "box" https://republic.co/farm-from-a-box https://republic.co/farm-from-a-box 1: micro-drip irrigation system 2: 3kW solar power 3: Pumping System 4: IOT setup 5: Energy management 6: Basic farm tools As of 2016, average cost of solar power is approximately $3.00 per watt so ~ $9K. I have installed a decent sized drip water irrigation system in my backyard purchased with stuff off of Amazon for a total of $200 max. IOT is unnecessary here. I mean would "poor" people require to purchase Iphones and Macbooks too to see data collected from the IOT setup? A manual water pump like this (http://www.top-pumps.com/pro/20090613195613.jpg http://www.top-pumps.com/pro/20090613195613.jpg )or even an electric one does not go north of $1k-1.5k. Most solar panels and reserve battery system come with a built-in energy management feature. This box does not even contain a variety of seeds, soil, fertilizer and other mandatory things required for proper farming. Think outside the box.

amorphid 10y ago
For fun, I was looking at cheap (compared to San Francisco) land with no infrastructure in Wyoming. 1 acre of land, $10K USD. Drilling a water well that might work, $5K to $30K.
- elcritch 10y ago
  Wyoming?! That's our backyard. Drop by our office sometime! [1] Our CEO ran a CSA for a few years here in Wyoming. Places like Wyoming have cheap land, but there are some tricks to doing farming up here. 1: https://brightagrotech.com/ https://brightagrotech.com/
  - rdudek 10y ago
    I'm in Colorado and the soil here is terrible trying to start a small garden behind my house. Even with purchased good quality dirt and fertilizer, it's still very very hard solid.
    - elcritch 10y ago
      Back in college, I took a soil science class. The professor said the Laramie valley has (used to at least) pretty good soil – fairly light and decent nutrient profile. There was a big western farm boom in the 1910's during a wet period that lasted 10-20 years. I'm not overly familiar with all the soil types in Colorado. We have one farmer who uses some of our equipment, but he has also had good luck with soil in Fort Collins, CO [1]. He's on a hill though near a lake which might help. He said drainage was important for him. Vertical farming is a great way to get around issues with soil quality. Especially for winter growing and also reducing the labor associated with planting, weeding, and harvesting. Seriously though, schedule a time to drop by if you're ever up in Laramie. We have a lot of knowledgeable people here who love talking growing! One of my coworkers has also done some good work on the economics or vertical farming (using our equipment mainly, as – well – that's what we know!) [2]. Much of the economics should be comparable on other vertical systems (though, probably less efficient you know ;) ). Are you a software dev or tech person? Always fun to talk about the combo of farm and tech! 1: http://bayberryfresh.com/ http://bayberryfresh.com/ 2: https://youtu.be/u-aFueGWSFU?t=6m1s https://youtu.be/u-aFueGWSFU?t=6m1s
      - rdudek 10y ago
        Thank you! Indeed, I may need to take a drive up and take a peek :)
    - samirillian 10y ago
      Have you considered double-digging? Works pretty well here in New Mexico.
      - blacksmythe 10y ago
        double digging a garden: http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2007/020307.html
    - samirillian 10y ago
      Have you considered double-digging? Works pretty well here in New Mexico.
- pp19dd 10y ago
  For me doing that is somewhere between an escapist fantasy and a backup retirement plan. I've been looking at Idaho properties for some time now because it seemed to have favorable acreage vs price ratios. Last year a random 40-acre hilltop plot at Indian Creek was listed for 30k and finally sold for 15k, which is amazing. Its neighboring 40-acre lot with a view of Bear Lake is currently being sold for 30k. Lots of variances in prices and terrain, including mountain tops. Or at least tall hills, whatever they officially are. One of the weirdest incentives for me to keep looking is that certain counties in ID don't have building codes: you're on your own. That flexibility cuts both ways, but it means you could make a mud and straw house if you felt like it, without interference. Of course, cabin kits are probably safer and more practical.
- gregimba 10y ago
  You can go way cheaper than 10k per acre
- ci5er 10y ago
  The soil here (in much of the state) is fairly good, but the growing season is pathetically short. Assuming you're on the plains and get a full day of sun. (If not, it's even shorter). But, on the plains, then you've got more wind than you want to deal with. So - why Wyoming? Why don't you go some place with milder weather that isn't a desert like Kansas or Arkansas?
  - amorphid 10y ago
    I was just poking around the Internet for the cheapest land I could find. I didn't look for a super long time. I think land below a certain price doesn't stand out because there's little incentive to promote it, so you have to hunt for better prices.
- secstate 10y ago
  I can find you some property in Maine that is closer to 2K/acre as long as you're okay being off grid. Well drilling would only be $3-5K depending on the site, and you might even get lucky and have a natural spring on the property somewhere. We got a whole lotta land up here, and most of it is stuck in the post-lumber slump.
lukewrites 10y ago
A little OT, but I'm wanting to put together a drip system in our yard. Any resources you'd recommend/found very helpful? I live in the Pacific Northwest, so am thinking about installing a cistern/rain water collection center, then putting together a drip system for planter beds that we'll be installing. Thank you!
- sweettea 10y ago
  DripWorks has a great catalog and good prices.
- CodeSheikh 10y ago
  Let me reply to your post by EOD. I will be able to provide better details then.
- CodeSheikh 10y ago
  The thing is I am not a professional farmer or have had worked in farms in any capacity. I have a technical background so doing things on my own in DIY way out of sheer curiosity drives me. Plus, I wanted to introduce myself to organic farming in my backyard. I can share with you things I bought and how I have used them, pretty straightforward stuff. I thought about putting an irrigation system where water would be driven with gravity and into drip system. But unlike you I don’t have an advantage of rainwater. So I still kept water reservoir (instead of a continuous tap/faucet as a source) and instead used an electronic water pump and a Wi-Fi outlet that I can schedule as I please or even remote control it if I am traveling abroad (I learned hard way that which certain plants required less or more water and in this way I was able to adjust water flow/resistance in my drip system) Here’s a pseudo-schematic that I just chalked down: http://imgur.com/a/0exTv http://imgur.com/a/0exTv These are the parts I have bought off of Amazon. If you can buy these parts from a single seller than I am sure you can save even more. Listed prices are the prices I have paid. Currently, they could be more or less on Amazon. Some parts were bought at a Lowe's local store. Koram Drip Irrigation 1/4" Blank Distribution Tubing Drip Watering Hose 50' Roll $8.99 1 $8.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013WJYKZQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013WJYKZQ/ref=oh_aui_deta... Raindrip 381025B Heavy Duty Support Stakes, 6-Inch, 25 Per Bag $7.51 2 $15.02 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BOAKKK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BOAKKK/ref=oh_aui_deta... Rain Bird T22-50 Drip Irrigation 1/4" Blank Distribution Tubing, 50' Roll $6.69 1 $6.69 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJX5DU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJX5DU/ref=oh_aui_deta... Fastening Tape 0.75-inch Hook & Loop Fastening Tape 5 yard/roll - Black $5.31 1 $5.31 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AF9II6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AF9II6/ref=oh_aui_deta... Koram 1/4" Blank Distribution Tubing Irrigation Gardener's Greenhouse Plant Watering Drip Kit Accessories IR-D $25.99 2 $51.98 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013JPIJG4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013JPIJG4/ref=oh_aui_deta... Prime Wire & Cable EC502608 8-Foot 16/3 SJTW Indoor and Outdoor Extension Cord, Black $6.58 1 $6.58 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006G6A2KA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006G6A2KA/ref=oh_aui_deta... EcoPlus 728492 Eco 100 Submersible Pump, 100GPH $11.95 1 $11.95 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007KIIQF6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007KIIQF6/ref=oh_aui_deta... Samar 5/16-in x 20-ft PVC Clear Vinyl Tubing 1ft $2 1 $2.00 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Samar-5-16-in-x-20-ft-PVC-Clear-Vinyl-Tubing/50315915 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Samar-5-16-in-x-20-ft-PVC-Clear-Vin... Murray 2-Pack 1/4-in to 5/8-in dia Stainless Steel Full Clamps $0.71 1 $0.71 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Murray-2-Pack-1-4-in-to-5-8-in-dia-Stainless-Steel-Full-Clamps/1000125743 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Murray-2-Pack-1-4-in-to-5-8-in-dia-... BrassCraft 1/2-in x 3/8-in Threaded Adapter Bushing Fitting $3.98 1 $3.98 https://www.lowes.com/pd/BrassCraft-1-2-in-x-3-8-in-Threaded-Adapter-Bushing-Fitting/50359498 https://www.lowes.com/pd/BrassCraft-1-2-in-x-3-8-in-Threaded... BrassCraft 3/8-in x 3/8-in Barbed Barb x MIP Adapter Fitting $3.78 1 $3.78 https://www.lowes.com/pd/BrassCraft-3-8-in-x-3-8-in-Barbed-Barb-x-MIP-Adapter-Fitting/50380746 https://www.lowes.com/pd/BrassCraft-3-8-in-x-3-8-in-Barbed-B... TP-LINK Wi-Fi Smart Plug, Works with Amazon Echo, Turn On/Off Your Electronics From Anywhere (HS100) $29.99 1 $29.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0178IC734/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0178IC734/ref=oh_aui_deta... Aquarium 8Way Air Flow Splitter Lever Control Valve 3/8 Inch Tube Dia $11.76 1 $11.76 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W136G8E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W136G8E/ref=oh_aui_deta... MoonCity 3-in-1 Soil Moisture, Light and pH / acidity Meter Plant Tester,Good for Gardener or planter both indoor and outdoors (No Battery needed) $12.99 1 $12.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GQ9VVY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GQ9VVY/ref=od_aui_deta... 30 gallons plastic container from home depot $20 1 $20.00 Total $191.73
wilg 10y ago
You also get the container too, which they say expands in size.
- semi-extrinsic 10y ago
  That's about $2k for a good one. Say $4k for the expanding one.
synicalx 10y ago
They need that meat in their profit margin to accelerate the Sell Out and Bro Down steps of their business plan.
roymurdock 10y ago
I worked on a project to create affordable, electric vegetable graters for rural farmers in Ghana [1]. For comparison, the price point of our grater was $150USD and was still seen as too expensive by a substantial portion of our customers, some of whom opted to purchase the graters on an installment basis (3 x $50 every 6 months as our group traveled to Ghana bi-annually). The main problems our rural customers faced were much more basic in nature and cannot be solved by a $60k farming kit: uncontrollable and sometimes devastating wet/dry seasonal cycles that could decimate an entire crop, making financial planning very difficult. Subsequently many of our customers lived day-to-day off whatever they sold their produce for at the market, making securing loans/financing to invest in capital (more land, equipment, livestock) impossible. At one of the farms we visited, I noticed a half-built brick house next to the main family house. The farm owner explained that they were building a second home, but that they had to do it literally "brick-by-brick", purchasing a few bricks with extra income when they could afford to buy them. He explained this investment in bricks was their form of saving for the future: the small amounts of extra money would get spent otherwise on food or other necessities rather than put into a bank account or stashed under a mattress. Other basic problems included a relatively high marginal cost of transporting goods to market and little access to market price data. No agricultural education info. Communal access to heavy farming machinery (graters, plows, etc.) with no accountability for these devices (they end up breaking and nobody wants to pay to fix them). Unreliable electric grid, and no chance the cellular service would be reliable/affordable enough to get an IoT system up and running on a small farm, even if the farmers did have time left over after planting, harvesting, and processing their crops, and looking after their families. Everything is harder and more manual when you lack scale, and you can't order a replacement solar panel/battery/raspberry pi off amazon. Since the goal of our project was to get the grater into the hands of as many cassava-grating women as possible, at marginally-above-cost, we decided to sell into restaurants and explore other cash-rich markets to cross-subsidize sales to small acreage farmers. We also wanted to sell direct, or close-to-direct (at least in the beginning) to build a relationship with our customers, get to know them, get feedback on the products, and spread news of the product thru word of mouth. That said, maybe we should have looked to sell our graters to governments/NGOs so we could have scaled up faster. [1] http://www.olin.edu/academics/experience/engineering-capstone/ade-ghana/ http://www.olin.edu/academics/experience/engineering-capston...
tiglionabbit 10y ago
What, no dirt? It's pretty much just the irrigation system? And lights for you I hope. It should come with some tarps and compost at least. It appears to have a nursery, so potting soil and nursery containers hopefully come with it too. I mean all this stuff is cheap, but if they're going to deploy a shipping container, might as well put some of the obvious stuff in it.
neeleshs 10y ago
$60,000 is way more expensive than the 2 acre land it serves in most parts of India
- ChemicalWarfare 10y ago
  ... or USA :)
joeclark77 10y ago
I wonder if the cost isn't mostly due to manufacturing labor. A good look-over by someone experienced in Lean production might help them map their value streams and get the cost way down. I suspect part of the reason they're going high-tech with all the IoT devices is so that they can sell a lot of these domestically for profit, and thereby subsidize the ones they send overseas. Not necessarily a bad idea. And if they can get the owners/users to form an online community and capture some learning, the more the better!
kriro 10y ago
I think this is targeting a different part of the "supply chain". Not the people that will directly use it (African farmer) but rather the people that will donate it to the endusers (NGOs). So this is basically enterprise sales. "Turnkey solution". Sure it could be assembled cheaper but it's also a lot easier to fundraise for such a turnkey solution because it's easier to imagine a shipping container that turns into a farm. Your donation will go to one of these boxes which we'll set up in this African neighborhood...etc.

amorphid 10y ago

For fun, I was looking at cheap (compared to San Francisco) land with no infrastructure in Wyoming. 1 acre of land, $10K USD. Drilling a water well that might work, $5K to $30K.

elcritch 10y ago
Wyoming?! That's our backyard. Drop by our office sometime! [1] Our CEO ran a CSA for a few years here in Wyoming. Places like Wyoming have cheap land, but there are some tricks to doing farming up here. 1: https://brightagrotech.com/ https://brightagrotech.com/
- rdudek 10y ago
  I'm in Colorado and the soil here is terrible trying to start a small garden behind my house. Even with purchased good quality dirt and fertilizer, it's still very very hard solid.
  - elcritch 10y ago
    Back in college, I took a soil science class. The professor said the Laramie valley has (used to at least) pretty good soil – fairly light and decent nutrient profile. There was a big western farm boom in the 1910's during a wet period that lasted 10-20 years. I'm not overly familiar with all the soil types in Colorado. We have one farmer who uses some of our equipment, but he has also had good luck with soil in Fort Collins, CO [1]. He's on a hill though near a lake which might help. He said drainage was important for him. Vertical farming is a great way to get around issues with soil quality. Especially for winter growing and also reducing the labor associated with planting, weeding, and harvesting. Seriously though, schedule a time to drop by if you're ever up in Laramie. We have a lot of knowledgeable people here who love talking growing! One of my coworkers has also done some good work on the economics or vertical farming (using our equipment mainly, as – well – that's what we know!) [2]. Much of the economics should be comparable on other vertical systems (though, probably less efficient you know ;) ). Are you a software dev or tech person? Always fun to talk about the combo of farm and tech! 1: http://bayberryfresh.com/ http://bayberryfresh.com/ 2: https://youtu.be/u-aFueGWSFU?t=6m1s https://youtu.be/u-aFueGWSFU?t=6m1s
    - rdudek 10y ago
      Thank you! Indeed, I may need to take a drive up and take a peek :)
  - samirillian 10y ago
    Have you considered double-digging? Works pretty well here in New Mexico.
    - blacksmythe 10y ago
      double digging a garden: http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2007/020307.html
  - samirillian 10y ago
    Have you considered double-digging? Works pretty well here in New Mexico.
pp19dd 10y ago
For me doing that is somewhere between an escapist fantasy and a backup retirement plan. I've been looking at Idaho properties for some time now because it seemed to have favorable acreage vs price ratios. Last year a random 40-acre hilltop plot at Indian Creek was listed for 30k and finally sold for 15k, which is amazing. Its neighboring 40-acre lot with a view of Bear Lake is currently being sold for 30k. Lots of variances in prices and terrain, including mountain tops. Or at least tall hills, whatever they officially are. One of the weirdest incentives for me to keep looking is that certain counties in ID don't have building codes: you're on your own. That flexibility cuts both ways, but it means you could make a mud and straw house if you felt like it, without interference. Of course, cabin kits are probably safer and more practical.
gregimba 10y ago
You can go way cheaper than 10k per acre
ci5er 10y ago
The soil here (in much of the state) is fairly good, but the growing season is pathetically short. Assuming you're on the plains and get a full day of sun. (If not, it's even shorter). But, on the plains, then you've got more wind than you want to deal with. So - why Wyoming? Why don't you go some place with milder weather that isn't a desert like Kansas or Arkansas?
- amorphid 10y ago
  I was just poking around the Internet for the cheapest land I could find. I didn't look for a super long time. I think land below a certain price doesn't stand out because there's little incentive to promote it, so you have to hunt for better prices.
secstate 10y ago
I can find you some property in Maine that is closer to 2K/acre as long as you're okay being off grid. Well drilling would only be $3-5K depending on the site, and you might even get lucky and have a natural spring on the property somewhere. We got a whole lotta land up here, and most of it is stuck in the post-lumber slump.

lukewrites 10y ago

A little OT, but I'm wanting to put together a drip system in our yard. Any resources you'd recommend/found very helpful? I live in the Pacific Northwest, so am thinking about installing a cistern/rain water collection center, then putting together a drip system for planter beds that we'll be installing. Thank you!

sweettea 10y ago
DripWorks has a great catalog and good prices.
CodeSheikh 10y ago
Let me reply to your post by EOD. I will be able to provide better details then.
CodeSheikh 10y ago
The thing is I am not a professional farmer or have had worked in farms in any capacity. I have a technical background so doing things on my own in DIY way out of sheer curiosity drives me. Plus, I wanted to introduce myself to organic farming in my backyard. I can share with you things I bought and how I have used them, pretty straightforward stuff. I thought about putting an irrigation system where water would be driven with gravity and into drip system. But unlike you I don’t have an advantage of rainwater. So I still kept water reservoir (instead of a continuous tap/faucet as a source) and instead used an electronic water pump and a Wi-Fi outlet that I can schedule as I please or even remote control it if I am traveling abroad (I learned hard way that which certain plants required less or more water and in this way I was able to adjust water flow/resistance in my drip system) Here’s a pseudo-schematic that I just chalked down: http://imgur.com/a/0exTv http://imgur.com/a/0exTv These are the parts I have bought off of Amazon. If you can buy these parts from a single seller than I am sure you can save even more. Listed prices are the prices I have paid. Currently, they could be more or less on Amazon. Some parts were bought at a Lowe's local store. Koram Drip Irrigation 1/4" Blank Distribution Tubing Drip Watering Hose 50' Roll $8.99 1 $8.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013WJYKZQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013WJYKZQ/ref=oh_aui_deta... Raindrip 381025B Heavy Duty Support Stakes, 6-Inch, 25 Per Bag $7.51 2 $15.02 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BOAKKK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BOAKKK/ref=oh_aui_deta... Rain Bird T22-50 Drip Irrigation 1/4" Blank Distribution Tubing, 50' Roll $6.69 1 $6.69 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJX5DU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJX5DU/ref=oh_aui_deta... Fastening Tape 0.75-inch Hook & Loop Fastening Tape 5 yard/roll - Black $5.31 1 $5.31 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AF9II6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AF9II6/ref=oh_aui_deta... Koram 1/4" Blank Distribution Tubing Irrigation Gardener's Greenhouse Plant Watering Drip Kit Accessories IR-D $25.99 2 $51.98 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013JPIJG4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013JPIJG4/ref=oh_aui_deta... Prime Wire & Cable EC502608 8-Foot 16/3 SJTW Indoor and Outdoor Extension Cord, Black $6.58 1 $6.58 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006G6A2KA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006G6A2KA/ref=oh_aui_deta... EcoPlus 728492 Eco 100 Submersible Pump, 100GPH $11.95 1 $11.95 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007KIIQF6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007KIIQF6/ref=oh_aui_deta... Samar 5/16-in x 20-ft PVC Clear Vinyl Tubing 1ft $2 1 $2.00 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Samar-5-16-in-x-20-ft-PVC-Clear-Vinyl-Tubing/50315915 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Samar-5-16-in-x-20-ft-PVC-Clear-Vin... Murray 2-Pack 1/4-in to 5/8-in dia Stainless Steel Full Clamps $0.71 1 $0.71 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Murray-2-Pack-1-4-in-to-5-8-in-dia-Stainless-Steel-Full-Clamps/1000125743 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Murray-2-Pack-1-4-in-to-5-8-in-dia-... BrassCraft 1/2-in x 3/8-in Threaded Adapter Bushing Fitting $3.98 1 $3.98 https://www.lowes.com/pd/BrassCraft-1-2-in-x-3-8-in-Threaded-Adapter-Bushing-Fitting/50359498 https://www.lowes.com/pd/BrassCraft-1-2-in-x-3-8-in-Threaded... BrassCraft 3/8-in x 3/8-in Barbed Barb x MIP Adapter Fitting $3.78 1 $3.78 https://www.lowes.com/pd/BrassCraft-3-8-in-x-3-8-in-Barbed-Barb-x-MIP-Adapter-Fitting/50380746 https://www.lowes.com/pd/BrassCraft-3-8-in-x-3-8-in-Barbed-B... TP-LINK Wi-Fi Smart Plug, Works with Amazon Echo, Turn On/Off Your Electronics From Anywhere (HS100) $29.99 1 $29.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0178IC734/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0178IC734/ref=oh_aui_deta... Aquarium 8Way Air Flow Splitter Lever Control Valve 3/8 Inch Tube Dia $11.76 1 $11.76 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W136G8E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W136G8E/ref=oh_aui_deta... MoonCity 3-in-1 Soil Moisture, Light and pH / acidity Meter Plant Tester,Good for Gardener or planter both indoor and outdoors (No Battery needed) $12.99 1 $12.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GQ9VVY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GQ9VVY/ref=od_aui_deta... 30 gallons plastic container from home depot $20 1 $20.00 Total $191.73

wilg 10y ago

You also get the container too, which they say expands in size.

semi-extrinsic 10y ago
That's about $2k for a good one. Say $4k for the expanding one.

synicalx 10y ago

They need that meat in their profit margin to accelerate the Sell Out and Bro Down steps of their business plan.

roymurdock 10y ago

I worked on a project to create affordable, electric vegetable graters for rural farmers in Ghana [1]. For comparison, the price point of our grater was $150USD and was still seen as too expensive by a substantial portion of our customers, some of whom opted to purchase the graters on an installment basis (3 x $50 every 6 months as our group traveled to Ghana bi-annually). The main problems our rural customers faced were much more basic in nature and cannot be solved by a $60k farming kit: uncontrollable and sometimes devastating wet/dry seasonal cycles that could decimate an entire crop, making financial planning very difficult. Subsequently many of our customers lived day-to-day off whatever they sold their produce for at the market, making securing loans/financing to invest in capital (more land, equipment, livestock) impossible. At one of the farms we visited, I noticed a half-built brick house next to the main family house. The farm owner explained that they were building a second home, but that they had to do it literally "brick-by-brick", purchasing a few bricks with extra income when they could afford to buy them. He explained this investment in bricks was their form of saving for the future: the small amounts of extra money would get spent otherwise on food or other necessities rather than put into a bank account or stashed under a mattress. Other basic problems included a relatively high marginal cost of transporting goods to market and little access to market price data. No agricultural education info. Communal access to heavy farming machinery (graters, plows, etc.) with no accountability for these devices (they end up breaking and nobody wants to pay to fix them). Unreliable electric grid, and no chance the cellular service would be reliable/affordable enough to get an IoT system up and running on a small farm, even if the farmers did have time left over after planting, harvesting, and processing their crops, and looking after their families. Everything is harder and more manual when you lack scale, and you can't order a replacement solar panel/battery/raspberry pi off amazon. Since the goal of our project was to get the grater into the hands of as many cassava-grating women as possible, at marginally-above-cost, we decided to sell into restaurants and explore other cash-rich markets to cross-subsidize sales to small acreage farmers. We also wanted to sell direct, or close-to-direct (at least in the beginning) to build a relationship with our customers, get to know them, get feedback on the products, and spread news of the product thru word of mouth. That said, maybe we should have looked to sell our graters to governments/NGOs so we could have scaled up faster. [1] http://www.olin.edu/academics/experience/engineering-capstone/ade-ghana/ http://www.olin.edu/academics/experience/engineering-capston...

tiglionabbit 10y ago

What, no dirt? It's pretty much just the irrigation system? And lights for you I hope. It should come with some tarps and compost at least. It appears to have a nursery, so potting soil and nursery containers hopefully come with it too. I mean all this stuff is cheap, but if they're going to deploy a shipping container, might as well put some of the obvious stuff in it.

neeleshs 10y ago

$60,000 is way more expensive than the 2 acre land it serves in most parts of India

ChemicalWarfare 10y ago
... or USA :)

joeclark77 10y ago

I wonder if the cost isn't mostly due to manufacturing labor. A good look-over by someone experienced in Lean production might help them map their value streams and get the cost way down. I suspect part of the reason they're going high-tech with all the IoT devices is so that they can sell a lot of these domestically for profit, and thereby subsidize the ones they send overseas. Not necessarily a bad idea. And if they can get the owners/users to form an online community and capture some learning, the more the better!

kriro 10y ago

I think this is targeting a different part of the "supply chain". Not the people that will directly use it (African farmer) but rather the people that will donate it to the endusers (NGOs). So this is basically enterprise sales. "Turnkey solution". Sure it could be assembled cheaper but it's also a lot easier to fundraise for such a turnkey solution because it's easier to imagine a shipping container that turns into a farm. Your donation will go to one of these boxes which we'll set up in this African neighborhood...etc.