As urban populations grow, innovators are looking beyond traditional farming to find ways to feed everyone while minimising the impact on our land and water resources.
Vertical farming is that one solution used all over the world.
Vertical farming is still in its early stages in India, but there are a few startups and agri-tech companies working to revolutionise the field.
What is Vertical Farming?
Vertical farming is an agricultural method of growing vegetables and fruits in which the farmer controls the environment by growing them in a modern commercial greenhouse. The crops are vertically stacked on shelves or tall pillars, and LED lights replace sunlight. Because the crops are grown indoors, no pesticides are used, and water is recycled in a closed loop. It is done in a controlled environment using techniques that do not require soil, such as aquaponics, hydroponics, and aeroponics.
Techniques of vertical farming
There are three main techniques of vertical farming, which includes-
Hydroponics-
Most commercial vertical farms make extensive use of hydroponics. Plants are grown in nutrient solutions without soil in this vertical farming system. The roots of the plants are immersed in a solution contained in a grow tray that is filled several times throughout the day. Typically, the farmer will set a timer based on the size of the plants, the quality of the water, and the plants’ nutrient requirements.
When the timer goes off, the nutrient solution is poured into the grow tray, which is then flooded with the water pump. Some of the essential nutrients used in the hydroponics system are calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulphate, and potassium sulphate. It is also rich in micronutrients such as zinc, cobalt, manganese,
iron, copper, chlorine, and boron.
Aeroponics-
To grow plants, an aeroponic system uses air and very little water or mist. It also does not grow plants in soil. Instead, the plant is suspended in air, and its roots are continuously misted with a nutrient solution via a fine mister. This ensures that the roots receive adequate oxygen.
Aeroponics vertical farming uses 90% less water than hydroponics and grows plants at a faster rate. According to studies, the Aeroponics system reduces fertiliser usage by 60% while increasing crop yields by 45 to 75%. Furthermore, plants grown in this system contain more vitamins and minerals, making them more nutritious and healthier.
Aquaponics-
Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. The nutrients for the plants in this system are supplied by fish excreta, which contains a high nutrient content. The plants in the grow tray, on the other hand, filter the water in which the fish live.
How vertical farming affect the food production in India?
The fertilisers, pesticides, and insecticides used in conventional farming to increase crop yield and protect the crop have numerous environmental side effects. For example, it renders the soil infertile and impairs its ability to retain water. As a result, water is used excessively. Pollution from chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and insecticides pollutes nearby water bodies and harms the ecosystem.
Studies show that vertical farming looks more promising to meet the food requirements of the ever-growing population in India. Vertical farming can be done on rooftops or inside buildings and does not require a large plot of land. Plants consume less water because they are grown in a highly controlled environment. Water is also recycled and saved.
Due to vertical farming, growing out-of-season vegetables and fruits are easy, as factors such as temperature, sunlight, humidity, and water can be easily controlled. As the plants are grown outside so pesticides are also not required.
