Vertical farming is the practice of growing produce in “vertically stacked layers”. This practice can use soil, hydroponic or aerologic growing methods. Vertical farms attempt to produce food in challenging environments, like where arable land is rare or unavailable.

Most of the vertical farms use enclosed structures similar to greenhouses that stack vertically, either directly above each other or staggered for better natural light exposure. If saving space is of utmost importance, hydroponic methods as a growing medium instead of soil allow for reduced weight and lower water requirements by up to 70%.  The use of aeroponics further reduces weight and water requirements.

WHY IS VERTICAL FARMING IMPORTANT FOR OUR FUTURE FOOD SYSTEM?

Loss of Cultivable Land

A vertical farm can fit the equivalent of 280 hectares (700 acres) of farmland in a building the size of a large supermarket, and by manipulating the artificial day length and season, it can harvest crops all year round.

Irregular Water Usage May Decrease 

By giving a precise amount of purified, nutrient-rich water to thrive for crops and Water is continuously recalculated in our irrigation system, resulting in significant water savings compared to field-grown crops. Eliminates agricultural runoff.

Use Of Pesticides

Plants are grown in completely enclosed conditions, with LED lights replacing sunshine and closed-loop water recycling. There is no need for pesticides, since the indoor space is already free of bugs.

Weather Resistant

Traditional farming is subjected to unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters such as floods, droughts, wildfires, etc. In a controlled environment of vertical farming, such factors are negated and thus less susceptible to disruption in the supply chain process.

Environmental Conservation

Vertical farming helps in environmental conservation as deforestation that accompanies traditional farming can be negated, thus saving resources in the long run. Producing food indoors reduces or eliminates conventional ploughing, planting, and harvesting by farm machinery, protecting soil, and reducing emissions. Significantly reduces the use of fossil fuels (farm machines and transport of crops)

• It allows Year-round crop production.
• Vertical farming allows 10 times the yield of a normal area.
• Makes use of abandoned or unused properties.
• No weather-related crop failures.
• Offers the possibility of sustainability for urban centers.