Vertical Farming : Essential for Addressing Food and Nutritional Security

 INTRODUCTION 

Throughout history, humanity has managed to transform almost 57% of arable land into fields for growing crops, often at the expense of forests and grasslands (43%). Conversely, the rapid growth of cities is leading to a strain on available land resources, resulting in a gradual decrease in cultivated land on a global scale. As access to farming land becomes increasingly limited, it is essential to explore alternative solutions to meet the food demands of the ever-expanding urban population. The recent introduction of vertical farming in urban areas has emerged as a viable option to traditional land-based agriculture, allowing for the cultivation of vegetables and ornamental plants in high-rise buildings worldwide. The concept of vertical farming in urban settings has the potential to address various issues related to safe and nutritious food production, as well as environmental degradation. In Indian cities, vertical gardens are gaining popularity as plants are grown in soilless mediums. Ideally, vertical farming should be cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient to be implemented on a large scale in peri-urban regions.

Essential elements of vertical farming

• Vertical farms offer the ability to cultivate food around the clock, every day of the year. 
• They shield crops from unpredictable and damaging weather conditions, while also allowing for the recycling of water gathered from the indoor setting. 
• Additionally, they create employment opportunities for local residents and communities, while reducing the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides.
•  Vertical farms significantly cut down on reliance on fossil fuels, as well as prevent crop spoilage during storage, shipping, and long-distance transportation. 
• They also help in curbing agricultural runoff, leading to water conservation of up to 90%. 
• Furthermore, vertical farms instill a sense of pride in food production and can evoke euphoric feelings.
•  Lastly, they provide educational opportunities and training for school children in the realm of food production.

In this innovative approach, various types of crops are commonly grown

While it is feasible to cultivate any plant entirely indoors, the economic constraints limit the selection to a few crops in vertical farming. These chosen crops possess a compact growth habit, allowing for maximum plant yield in a confined space. Additionally, they are highly productive, such as indeterminate tomatoes, or have a quick growth cycle for efficient cultivation and sale, like micro greens. The range of compatible crops suitable for vertical agriculture encompasses lettuce, broccoli, spinach, chard, chive, palak (beet leaf), mustard greens, amaranthus, parsley, coriander, mint, kale, basil, and various herbs such as rosemary, fennel, thyme, and oregano. Furthermore, strawberries, mushrooms, micro greens, sprouts, summer squash, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, cucumbers, muskmelon, algae, crop nurseries, ornamental foliage, and flower plants are also viable options.

CONCLUSION

Traditional farming systems face risks from global warming, natural disasters, and shifting weather patterns. Additionally, there is increasing strain on natural resources to support the expanding population due to limited arable land, water scarcity, and reduced crop yields. While vertical farming may not be suitable for all types of crops in terms of profitability, it is emerging as a favored option for promoting sustainable crop production.