In the ever-changing landscape of Indian agriculture, one voice stands out for its clarity, purpose, and impact—Shashi Sikha, Director and Co-founder of Kikaboni Living Pvt. Ltd. With a strong foundation in development work and a deep commitment to sustainable farming, Shashi has launched a grassroots movement focused on organic inputs, environmental stewardship, and gender equity.
Her journey began in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that exposed the vulnerabilities of our food systems. Alarmed by the long-term harm of chemical farming, she turned concern into action, aiming to restore health to both the land and the communities that depend on it.
Kikaboni: Cultivating Change from Soil to Society
When you hear Kikaboni Living Pvt. Ltd., it may seem an unfamiliar name, but rooted deep and it should be. ‘Kikaboni’ is actually a Swahili word that means "organic," and to Shashi Sikha, the name signifies much more than mere branding—it is a way of life and working. From the earth we cultivate our crops on, to the means we employ to recycle our trash, Shashi feels that organic life is not merely a way of life—it's a requirement for our well-being, our producers, and our world.
Kikaboni started off with a simple yet effective product: vermicompost. Starting from their operation in Faridabad, they gradually moved to make and supply a range of organic inputs such as fish meal, neem cake, organic DAP, and bio-pesticides. These are environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers and particularly targeted for use by small and marginal farmers who face issues of access and affordability. But Shashi didn’t stop there.
Three Pillars of Impact: Farmers, Women, and Waste
One of the most unique aspects of Kikaboni’s model is its threefold approach to community impact:
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Empowering Farmers: Kikaboni directly works with regular cultivators in Faridabad and neighboring districts, supplying them with organic inputs and helping them shift away from chemical-based practices.
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Supporting Women Farmers: In a notable initiative, Kikaboni collaborates with SC/ST women farmer collectives. Through partnerships with village panchayats, these women are granted small plots of land on lease. Kikaboni steps in with training, soil testing, input supply, and even market linkage. From sowing to selling, these women are supported every step of the way.
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Turning Waste into Wealth: Urban waste management forms the third pillar. Kikaboni works with institutions—RWAs, hospitals, hotels, and markets—to help them recycle their organic waste in-house using composting solutions. These collaborations are aligned with environmental compliance rules and support a circular economy.
Additionally, the company also runs an Urban Gardening Project called Mali Malin Services which helps terrace and balcony gardeners set up customized organic gardens in urban homes.
Challenges of a Woman Agripreneur
Although agriculture has always been a woman's job, the entrepreneurial aspect of farming continues to be male-dominated. Shashi has encountered gender bias head-on. From farmers and government officials to investors, she has too often found that her technical qualifications are questioned because she's a woman.
"Individuals presume that women don't get costs or business choices," she reveals honestly. "Although I have a development background and entrepreneurial experience, I've had to work twice as hard to be regarded seriously."
In spite of all these challenges, Shashi believed that women and earth are closely interconnected. Both nourish, both give birth. And maybe it is this very feminine view that makes her style of agriculture holistic and universal.
Walking the Talk on Gender Equality
At Kikaboni, the commitment to equality runs deep. Shashi proudly states that her team is made up mostly of women, and the company ensures equal wages for men and women workers—a practice that’s still rare in the agricultural sector. “Yes, moral decisions often come with financial costs, especially for a startup,” she admits. “But we’re intentional about keeping gender justice at the core of our operations.”
Revenue Model Rooted in Sustainability
Kikaboni’s revenue is generated through four main streams:
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Product Sales: Organic fertilizers, composts, and bio-inputs sold to farmers and farmhouses.
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Advisory Services: Technical training and field interventions for FPOs and village organizations.
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Urban Gardening: End-to-end gardening setup for urban homes and balconies.
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Composting Solutions: Installation and management of composting systems for institutions generating bulk organic waste.
Kikaboni's products do not yet have regulated markets or specific distribution networks, in contrast to mass-market chemical fertilizers. As a result, the business manages production and delivery in-house, guaranteeing quality and accountability.
Advice to Aspiring Agripreneurs
Shashi has a clear message for the youth: “Don’t be misled by flashy YouTube videos claiming you’ll become a millionaire overnight. Agribusiness is not about super-normal profits. It’s about sustainable growth. Do your research, understand your market, and most importantly—be patient.”
She says that creating an enterprise, particularly in farming, takes a whole business cycle, time, and commitment. But the payoff is enormous—not just in profits, but in social impact.
Kikaboni Living is a silent revolution in the making, not just a business. Through gender equity, community partnerships, and organic inputs, Shashi Sikha and her team are planting seeds for a more inclusive and healthy future. Even while the journey is still in its early stages, one thing is certain: she has become a powerful voice for sustainable farming in India.
