Vertical Farming

With growing population and rapid urbanisation; farming as such has become more and more challenging and difficult to execute. The idea of vertical farming first came into existence in 1915 and has been in the process of experimentation ever since. The basic idea is to utilize what we have instead of wasting resources on trying to find new land for agriculture. The term vertical farming is literally implemented and the concept is that skyscrapers can grow crops at each level in a controlled environment where all the required conditions for growing crops are monitored.

Advantages:

*This concept helps not only to manage land resources but also solves transportation problems as crops are grown right where they are needed.

*There is year round production of crops and no weather related crop failures.

*The problem of soil erosion due to improper crop plantations is reduced.

*Being in a controlled environment means there is no need for pesticides and insecticides. The crops are therefore grown organically.

*Ability to recycle and use black water is an added advantage, seeing as how water scarcity is a major environmental issue on its own.

Drawbacks:

*With the lack of insects; pollination is a problematic concern.

*Another problem is the lack of sunlight; which needs to be replaced by LEDs. This is obviously expensive, along with the cost of creating a controlled, suitable environment for the crops.

These ‘farms’ only exist on a small scale and unfortunately hold a questionable potential profit. At the end of the day, some say vertical farming holds the key to the future of survival; and others just do not believe in its feasibility.