agriculture review

Is Vertical Farming An Innovative Solution For Sustainability

by aditya abhishek

Introduction 

Also known as vertical agriculture or Indoor farming is a modern method of cultivating plants in vertical stacked layers, usually in a controlled environment. 

History

Dickson Despommier working as a professor of Public and Environmental Health at Columbia University, introduced the concept of vertical farming in 1999. 

His goal was to create a sustainable farming method that could produce fresh, healthy food in urban areas where traditional agriculture was not possible.

Since then, this farming system has gained popularity worldwide, and many companies and startups have embraced this innovative technique to grow crops in urban areas.

Necessity

Population is increasing, land resources are depleting and there is scarcity of water in many parts of the world. It is estimated that till 2050 global population will reach 9.7 billion. 

That's why it is a necessary solution to overcome these challenges. It allows us to grow more food in less space, using fewer resources and without causing environmental damage.

Demerits

It requires a significant investment in infrastructure, including lighting, ventilation, and hydroponic systems. That's why cost of production increases. 

Vertical farming is best suited for growing leafy greens, herbs, and other small crops. It may not be the ideal solution for large crops like wheat or corn.

The lighting and ventilation systems used in vertical farming consume a considerable amount of energy. Moreover, in case of electricity shortage, crop can get damaged badly. 

Whatever the benefits vertical farming has, it is still not able to replace traditional farming methods due to limitations. It would be great to see advancements in this technology to improve adaptability. 

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