Vol. 11, Special Issue 2 (2022)

Author(s):
Mohd Salim Mir, Nasir Bashir Naikoo, Raihana Habib Kanth, FA Bahar, M Anwar Bhat, Aijaz Nazir, S Sheraz Mahdi, Zakir Amin, Lal Singh, Waseem Raja, AA Saad, Tauseef A Bhat, Tsultim Palmo and Tanveer A Ahngar

Abstract:
Emerging problems of food security, urbanisation, farmland shortages, food miles increased greenhouse gas emissions focuses on the need for vertical farming. An increasing global population will be able to feed themselves in the future with the help of vertical farming, an eco-friendly, energy-saving and a promising alternative to conventional farming. Currently, vertical farming is becoming increasingly popular around the world due to its ability to efficiently manage resources and produce high-quality food. In areas where soil and water resources are limited, vertical farming could indeed play a significant role in the production of crops and vegetables. The urban cities where land is scarce and expensive will need to produce enough food to feed their own population to avoid congestion, pollution, and skyrocketing food costs. The vertical farm idea seems to have a bright future with recent technologies like hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. High-tech systems bring a change in farming and food production and are ideal for city farming because they minimise maintenance and maximise yield. These techniques as well as project prototypes could pave the way for a vertical farm to become a reality. This paper speculates on the possible outcomes, benefits, and drawbacks of implementing a vertical farm. Lack of expertise, economic feasibility, and codes and regulations are the major roadblocks to the implementation of vertical farms. The development of low-cost, simple-to-operate methods involving less labours and lower overall setup and operational costs are critical for the successful implementation of vertical farming technologies. During pandemics like COVID-19, vertical farming has emerged as a viable option for producing a wide variety of food crops to meet the nutritional needs of the growing global population.