Vertical Farming and its growth
The increasing population across the world leads to a growing demand for the availability of food. Overall, a growth of 1 per cent in the population is observed per year which is even more in some countries. As the farmers are struggling to balance the gap between the demands and supply of crops through the usage of traditional farming methods, therefore there is a need for change in the future of agriculture in terms of introducing more efficient and innovative cultivation techniques.
In addition to this problem, the previous and current agricultural practices are identified as increasingly vulnerable to the planet. Behind deforestation, climate change and soil degradation, agriculture is one of the driving causes. In response to these challenges, the concept of vertical farming has emerged, which emphasises finding better ways of producing food.
What is Vertical Farming?
Vertical farming, which is also known as indoor farming, refers to the practice of producing foods in layers stacked vertically rather than the traditional procedure of farming on the ground. Usually, cultivators integrate these into vertical structures, including skyscrapers, shipping barrels, abandoned mine shafts and used warehouses. Through the usage of vertically stacked layers, farmers can be capable of producing a higher volume of food on the same area of land. The practice of indoor farming requires artificial temperature, water, light and humidity control. Therefore, this farming practice utilises controlled environment agriculture technology for regulating the required temperature, humidity, light and gases in indoor circumstances.
Advantages of vertical farming
Usage of minimal space and water –
The vertical farming method allows the farmers to utilise almost 99 per cent less land and up to 70 per cent less water. Furthermore, the growth of the production of crop yields is quite higher than the traditional method of farming. By the year 2050, approximately 80 per cent of the population of the world will be found to be living in urban areas. This means that there will be a higher demand for food where it is difficult to find land. In this regard, indoor farming provides a way to fulfil the extensive demand for food in large urban centres without the requirement for vast fields.
Minimises the environmental impacts –
Indoor farming often leverages the practice of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), which consists of a number of technologies developed to ensure favourable conditions for the plants in terms of controlling aspects like humidity, lighting and temperature. This supports the farmers to cultivate such plants that will not be grown in different weather conditions and climates. In this setup, indoor farming allows the farmers to grow the plants naturally and to remain far away from the usage of hazardous chemicals and pesticides, which leads to a reduction in the environmental impacts of agriculture. This type of farming also leads to the elimination of conflicts between cultivators and native species by not allowing access to wildlife.
Increasing the production throughout the year –
Indoor farming is accountable for overall increasing the production volume of the foods through consistent year round production. This eliminates the concern of growing some vegetables and fruits which can be produced only seasonally. Instead, indoor farming provides the permits to yield all kinds of crops any time a year due to the less dependency on climate or weather.
Reduction in emissions –
As indoor farming permits the cultivation of yields in the urban areas therefore, it minimises the travel distances between the farms and the grocery stores which leads to the reduction in the carbon footprint. Additionally, this ensures the elimination of food waste in terms of providing the opportunity to offer freshness by growing the foods where the consumers will consume them.
Key innovations in the landscape of vertical farming
Aeroponics – Refers to the procedure of cultivating plants without soil while very little water and nutrients are supplied in the form of fog or mist to grow the plants. In this case, the roots of the plants are subjected to remain in the air.
Hydroponics – Refers to the cultivation method of plants where these are grown in water-enriched water without the need for any soil.
Aquaponics – This involves the integration of aquaculture with hydroponics. In this type of food production, plant units and fish are found to be merged into a symbiotic and integrated system.
Lokal – Refers to the supply of fresh foods where these are being cultivated.
The challenges associated with vertical farming in India
Although indoor farming is one of the exciting concepts for the food supply sector, the development of this project is quite difficult. This method is in the primary stage in India. Though there are functioning indoor farming units for the cultivation of crops like lettuce, strawberry, foliage and flower and other leafy vegetables in the key cities in India, there is a lack of organised vertical firms which can produce food crops. The high setup cost is another major concern of this farming system. There is also a lack of extensive research on the technologies required for indoor farming, especially in the public sector. This system needs support both in the context of infrastructure as well as human resources.
Initiative of the Indian government to promote vertical farming
Though exclusive schemes are missing in the landscape of vertical farming in India, the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) has been supporting all the states and UTs through the arrangement of efficient training and awareness programmes for producing horticulture crops by indoor farming. Additionally, ICAR has standardised the mushroom production technology which is one of the crucial elements in this type of farming. Funding assistance is also being provided for both the public and private sectors to achieve the expenditure required for infrastructure development. In addition to this, several ICAR Institutions are involved in the improvement of indoor farming and assisting farming entrepreneurs and farmers by providing access to technical support.
FAQ
What is vertical farming?
Vertical farming, which is also known as indoor farming, refers to the practice of producing foods in layers stacked vertically rather than the traditional procedure of farming on the ground.
Whether vertical farming is effective?
The vertical farming method allows the farmers to utilise almost 99 per cent less land and up to 70 per cent less water. Furthermore, the growth of the production of crop yields is quite higher than the traditional method of farming.
What are the benefits of indoor farming?
There are a lot of benefits to involvement in indoor farming practices, which include less requirement of land and water, less environmental impact, minimisation of carbon footprint, increased production throughout the year and many more.
What is the status of indoor farming in India?
Indoor farming is in the preliminary stage in India where indoor farming units for the cultivation of crops like lettuce, strawberry, foliage, flowers and other leafy vegetables in the key cities in India are available, but there is a lack of organised vertical firms which can produce food crops.
What are steps taken by the Indian government to boost indoor farming?
Providing funding assistance and technical support, standardising mushroom production technology, and offering training and awareness programmes are some crucial steps integrated by the Indian government to promote indoor farming.
