What is Kai Thota?

Kai Thota is a way of farming that brings people together. Instead of one farmer working alone for profit, a group—often women, new farmers, or those without land—comes together. The work, the land, and the harvest are all shared.

Farming can happen on someone’s own land or individual plots, on community-owned spaces, or even on small pieces of land that are leased or taken on rent.

In this shared garden, the group grows nutrient-dense seasonal foods like vegetables, herbs, tubers, flowers, and native fruits—using natural methods, local materials, and traditional knowledge passed down through generations.

It’s a simple, healthy, and powerful way to grow food—and to grow stronger as a community.

The goal is simple – keep costs low, stay close to nature, and grow what the land can support.

What makes Kai Thota special is how the food reaches people. It isn’t sent to faraway markets or sold through middlemen. Instead, the food is given directly to local buyers, called subscribers, who support the farm through a fixed monthly payment. Each week, subscribers receive a fresh bundle of vegetables from the farm. This is part of the trust-based model. Subscribers agree to support the farm in good times and bad and equally take on the risks of farming with the farmers.

Did You Know? This kind of farming is called Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA. It began in other countries but has now found strong roots in local Indian systems like Kai Thota.

Kai Thota is more than just farming—it’s a shared commitment to food, fairness, and the future. By growing together and sharing the harvest, both farmers and local families become part of a system rooted in trust, care, and community.

Who Is This Model For?

The Kai Thota model is for anyone who wants to grow food in a better, more collective way. You do not need to own land or have years of farming experience. You only need:

A group of people who have the same values, trust each other and want to farm together.
Access to a piece of land (common land, leased land, or donated space).
A willingness to grow food naturally and learn together.

It works especially well for:

Women’s groups (SHGs) who want to expand their work.
Landless farmers or agricultural labourers
Young people interested in farming but unsure where to start.
First-generation farmers who want to learn by doing.
People who care about food, nature, and their community.

Presently, there are two active Kai Thotas located in Kariyappana Doddi and Ramanayakana Doddi. The last iteration of the Kai Thota playbook was made on 10th November 2025. The live document will be updated periodically so you may download the latest version

“This model is designed to work with hands-on learning, shared work, and simple tools. Everyone can contribute something—labour, knowledge, support, or leadership.”

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Vishala