Make use of indoor vertical farming in agriculture

INNOVATION is more important in modern agriculture than ever before. The industry as a whole is facing huge challenges, from rising costs of supplies, a shortage of labour, and changes in consumer preferences for transparency and sustainability.

Major technology innovations in the space have focused around areas such as indoor vertical farming, automation and robotics, livestock technology, modern greenhouse practices, precision agriculture and artificial intelligence, and blockchain.

Indoor vertical farming can increase crop yields, overcome limited land area, and even reduce farming’s impact on the environment by cutting down distance travelled in the supply chain.

Indoor vertical farming can be defined as the practice of growing produce stacked one above another in a closed and controlled environment. By using growing shelves mounted vertically, it significantly reduces the amount of land space needed to grow plants compared to traditional farming methods.

This type of growing is often associated with city and urban farming because of its ability to thrive in limited space. Vertical farms are unique in that some set-ups don’t require soil for plants to grow.

Most are either hydroponic, where vegetables are grown in a nutrient-dense bowl of water, or aeroponic, where the plant roots are systematically sprayed with water and nutrients. In lieu of natural sunlight, artificial grow lights are used.

From sustainable urban growth to maximising crop yield with reduced labour costs, the advantages of indoor vertical farming are apparent.

Vertical farming can control variables such as light, humidity and water to precisely measure yearround, increasing food production with reliable harvests.

The reduced water and energy usage optimises energy conservation — vertical farms use up to 70% less water than traditional farms.

Labour is also greatly reduced by using robots to handle harvesting, planting, and logistics, solving the challenge farms face from the current labour shortage in the agriculture industry.