Is vertical-farming another agriculture method that is gaining acceptance? Is it profitable, and if so, is it environmentally correct?
Yes. In Urban India it is gaining traction as there is concern among consumers on the quality of food they eat, particularly concern that vegetables may be cultivated in waste water/sewage water. On environmental aspects, I do not see any adverse factors.
Vertical farming is a great step in producing very high quality and nutritious agricultural crops with high yield. Indeed its gaining traction.
Merits;
1. Year round crop production
2. Handcuffs all weather related crop failure
3. Avoids agricultural runoffs
4. Offers sustainability possibilities in urban centres
5. Drastically reduces the use of farm machines
6. Using less landmass for crop production
7. Sustained yearly production
8. Organic production with no use of pesticides, insecticides etc.
9. Well controlled environment for successful agricultural production with protection against inclement weather
10. Improves water quality as it does not pollute conventional water sites due to drainages from fertilizers.
Demerits:
1. Due to its insect-free environment, pollination will be difficult since it will be done by hand (costs more due to its labor intensive ness).
2. Generally, it is cost intensive. Cost of urban land; fixing of powering devices for light and controlling ambient temperatures involve high capital.
Vertical farming is a viable alternative to adapt old warehouse buildings and other similar spaces that otherwise will not be utilized. Technology for all inputs related to: lighting, media, irrigation, crop varieties is assisting vertical farming. This food production enterprise is happening primarily in urban areas and the scale of production may vary. Leafy vegetables and herbs are the dominant crop species employed by vertical farming. I am not aware of any economic study to verify the viability of vertical farming. However, the demand for fresh, locally produced foods throughout the year has potential for making the economics be in favor of vertical farming.
The answer is yes. Global vertical farming market is growing mainly owing to the increasing adoption of organic foods, rising urban population and growing focus towards environmental friendly production of fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Vertical farming is something many urbanizes and disparate communities like Detroit are using to revitalize their neighborhoods. I strongly believe it that as long as we do not build Dome cities we will be able to use all landscapes to feed ever growing populations and build resilience into at risk areas in cities, providing ecologically responsible and sustainable green solutions to respond to food deserts and child hunger.
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