Vertical Farming: The Future of Controlled-environment Agriculture and Food-production System
Raja Kumar *
University Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan-140413, Punjab, India.
Asma Fayaz
University Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan-140413, Punjab, India.
Munish Kaundal
University Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan-140413, Punjab, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Vertical Farming is the advanced technique for the proper growth of plants and herbs on small land. The continuous growth of population, shortage of water supply, climate changes, and urbanization can be a big challenge to 8 billion of lives. In this technique, we required less land but skilled labour for proper cultivation. The amount of land per person has also decreased with respect to time and the population is continuously growing. It is expected that by 2050 the population of the world will be 9.7 billion. It is very challenging to feed all of them with decreasing land per person. Vertical Farming aims that it is capable to fulfill the need by adopting Vertical Farm. It requires less land and we can also adjust the climate conditions according to crop requirements which will result in higher production. It provides us with organic and healthy food. This review paper focuses on the food security problem and the development of a sustainable agriculture initiative of vertical farming. It suggests some techniques by which we can overcome food shortages and maintain a proper diet. It also talks about opportunities and challenges which will come after adopting vertical farming.
Keywords: Vertical farming, hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, crop choice