India is one of the largest producer of vegetables, fruits and many other agricultural commodities. In India, vertical farming has been introduced. In a recently published research, D Rameshkumar, N Jagathjothi, S Easwari, R Rajesh, R Muthuselvi, P Naveen Kumar, R Minithra, R Suresh with the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University dive into the opportunities of vertical farming in India.
ICAR experts are working on the concept of ‘vertical farming’ in soil-less conditions, in which food crops can be grown even on multi-storeyed buildings in metros like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai without using soil or pesticides. Small-scale adaptations of vertical farming have been seen in Nadia, West Bengal and in Punjab. Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwa vidhalaya in Nadia has found initial success in growing brinjal and tomato. Punjab also has succeeded in producing potato tubers through vertical farming.
- If vertical farms were integrated in the city, they will be able to supply food for the entire population.
- There is a need for research that accurately assesses the Return of Investment (ROI) of various types and sizes of vertical farms.
- There is a need to investigate the full life-cycle analysis (LCA) and the number of years to reach parity with a traditional farm.
- Researchers should invent, advance, and further develop local farming techniques to make vertical farm projects feasible in these countries.
- For example, they may invent recycling methods that reduce reliance on water, design local systems by capturing rainwater and may capitalize on local solar power for providing natural light and energy (Kalantari et al., 2015).
Vertical farming is a best alternative for the city dwellers. It can deliver food in sustainable ways to improve global food security and solve the environment degradation problems. No harvest would fail by severe weather phenomenon. It has the benefit for easily minimise the cooling and heating water by indoor temperature. It helps to reduce poverty, increase food safety and well being of human. Effectiveness of vertical gardening depends on the demand and supply of food, urban population and densities, technological development, water and energy supply and weather conditions.
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