Vertical Farming - Future of Land Sustainability

It has been estimated that by the year 2050, total population of the world would increase by 3 billion people and majority will live in urban areas. At this stage the biggest challenge would be to feed the growing population that would require a very large amount of farmland.

Scientists are very much concerned for the availability of farmland. At this point of time, what can be better than the fact that now it has become possible to grow crops vertically in stacks. This is what we call as vertical farming.

Gilbert Ellis Bailey coined this term in his book – Vertical Farming (1915).

It is a proposed system of growing produce in vertically stacked layers commonly integrated with some structures such as shipping container, skyscraper, repurposed warehouse and that involves indoor farming techniques along with controlled environment agriculture technology (CEA).

Enclosed structures similar to Greenhouses are used in Vertical Farming. The stacking is vertical, either directly above each other or staggered for better light exposure. Instead of soil or in addition to soil other growing methods such as Hydroponics and Aeroponics are used.

Some mediums such as Coconut husks or peat can also be used. Natural light augmented with artificial light that is often LED is used. The artificial lights can be driven by solar power / wind turbines (Renewable resources).

To improve light efficiency, rotating beds are often used. The primary goal is to maximize the productivity in a limited space. Lettuce grown in vertical farming system Vertical farming at home using Hydroponics.

Advantages of Vertical Farming:

1) Future Role

Vertical farming is an amazing technique to meet the needs of growing population

2) Reduced Use of Water

It generally requires 70-95% less water than required for land cultivation

3) Independent of Weather Events

Extreme weather condition is one of the major causes for destruction of crops grown in traditional outdoor farming.

As controlled environmental conditions are provided in vertical farming, the crops will not face the extreme conditions. Though tornadoes and earthquakes still cannot be avoided

4) Maximize Crop Production 

It has been seen that productivity of some crops multiplies by a factor of 4 to 6. For Strawberries the factor becomes 30. Allows crop to be grown in places where land is not fertile (Desert regions).

5) Conservation of Resources

The need for farmland will reduce; therefore it will conserve many of the natural resources that are under danger due to pollution and deforestation.

6) Human Health

In traditional farming laborers are exposed to certain risks such as infections, toxic chemicals, dangerous wildlife, injuries etc. Since in Vertical farming environment is more or less regulated, these risks are not present.

7) Reduced Spoilage

Transportation is reduced as the crops will be sold in the same infrastructure in which they will be grown so it would definitely reduce spoilage.

Problems with Vertical Farming:

1) High cost investment.

2) High energy requirements for controlling the environment such as light, temperature, humidity etc.

3) Most designs cannot efficiently deliver light.

4) Pollination process is done manually that would be expensive and labor intensive.

Vertical farming has been introduced in India and is growing rapidly. Many experts, scientists, entrepreneurs in Bengaluru have started to think the ways in which we can take this process forward. 

Despite of few problems, vertical farming can definitely help the urban world to become self-sufficient in food and will ensure the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables on one’s doorstep. Vertical farming needs to be encouraged.

Written By - Chavi Goel