Over the years Agriculture has undergone significant & wide range of changes in all it's operations from sowing till harvesting thereafter in processing as well particularly the influence of advanced & sophisticated technologies is mind blowing.
A profession that requires enormous manual work with long hours of toiling under the heat of the sun has now to some extent achieved a condition wherein crops can be cultivated indoors. "Amazing! isn't it?"
For instance- 1 ha of Vertical farms can give yield equivalent to 9 ha of traditional outdoor farming & save 200 tons of water everyday!
India is a huge population to feed & problems related to food security has led to growth in vertical farming since the emerging technologies is seen as having potential to solve the crisis.
You may be wondering as to -
what exactly is Vertical Farming? or
what basically could be special about this technique?
what is it's need in Indian scenario?
any impact related to it & it's associated constrains?
Continue reading to sort out answers to all these questions...
Vertical Farming refers to cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers & vertically inclined surfaces in tower like structures in controlled conditions it is a kind of Polyhouse based farming as well.
Why is it needed?
Reason-
"In 2015 scientists reported that the earth has lost a third of its arable lands over the previous 40 years"
- The focus of Vertical farms is directed towards More Crops on Less Land
In addition to this-
"According to Global food production currently accounts for a third of Green house gases(GHS's), 80% of deforestation, 70% of terrestrial biodiversity loss & 70% of all freshwater use as well."
- This has led to damaged soils, contaminated water & overuse of fertilizers & pesticides
Associated benefits of Vertical farming are:-
1) Easy harvesting, nil dependence on outdoor weather factors
2) Minimal pesticide usage & high yield
3) It facilitates controlled environment that facilitates better crop growth
All these rendering the crop produce shockingly fresh, farming smart & sustainable.
Techniques employed for growing plants-
1) Hydroponics 2) Aquaponics 3) Aeroponics
Indian companies involved in Vertical farming are:-
Currently, in India, there are several local vertical farming companies such as UrbanKisaan, Clover, Living Food Company, Triton Foodworks, UGF (Urban Green Fate) Farms, and Barton Breeze.
These companies are fully based in India and supply the local market with vertically grown crops such as turmeric, microgreens, lettuce, chards, and herbs.
Limitations
- Not all crops can be grown i.,e rice, maize or wheat & only few low calorie crops can be grown including greens, herbs & some fruits.
- Initial investment quite expensive & it's not popular among traditional farming communities
- Huge electricity requirement for heating & electricity.
Conclusion
Vertical farming has witnessed surge in growth & adoption all because of technology driven benefits associated with it.
Furthermore, this Pandemic has also been a factor for increase in interest in urban agriculture as a means of relieving mental stress in addition to addressing localized food shortage.
All this convinces that the future of Vertical farming is brighter than once thought...
References:
https://verticalfarmingplanet.com/vertical-farming-in-india-industry-overview/#:~:text=Currently%2C%20in%20India%2C%20there%20are,)%20Farms%2C%20and%20Barton%20Breeze.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_farming
https://boweryfarming.com/vertical-farming/
https://www.prakati.in/vertical-farming-concept-techniques-advantages/
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