AGRICULTURE SECTOR
URBAN VERTICAL FARMING
Akila Wijerathna highlights the value of vertical farming for city dwellers
The need for sustainable urban food production has gained urgency as cities grow and space for traditional agriculture dwindles. Vertical farming (VF) refers to the cultivation of crops in stacked layers using minimal land and optimising resources.
By harnessing technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics and controlled environment agriculture, VF can produce food efficiently in urban spaces, reduce environmental impacts and support local economies. With its growing market potential, it has the opportunity to reshape food systems in urban environments.
Vertical farming utilises stacked layers and controlled environments to grow crops indoors. Unlike traditional or greenhouse farming, which relies on sunlight and soil, VF often uses hydroponics or aeroponics. It employs LED lighting and automated climate control, allowing plants to grow year round with optimal light, nutrients and temperature. Closed loop systems prevent water and nutrient loss by minimising waste.
VF is projected to reach a market value of US$ 20 billion by 2026 with a compound annual growth rate of over 25 percent. Key players have secured substantial investments and expanded their operations to meet the growing demand for fresh locally sourced produce. Venture capital firms and corporate investors have poured billions of dollars into VF startups, hoping to capitalise on the trend.
The potential of vertical farming for economic growth in urban areas is multifaceted. It can create jobs across multiple sectors ranging from agriculture and engineering to logistics and marketing. By establishing vertical farms in or near cities, food miles are drastically reduced, leading to savings on transport and less produce spoilage.
These farms can boost economic activity by establishing direct connections between farmers and consumers, such as through farm-to-table restaurants, grocery stores and community supported agriculture programmes.
However, the initial capital investment is often high – especially for large-scale operations. Setting up climate control systems, LED lighting and automation technology involves substantial costs. Yet, as technology advances these costs are expected to decrease, making VF more accessible and financially viable.
Vertical farming addresses several environmental issues associated with traditional agriculture. One key advantage is water efficiency. Vertical farms use up to 95 percent less water than field agriculture as water is recirculated and reused within the system. This is especially valuable in water scarce regions.
Additionally, vertical farms reduce the need for pesticides as the controlled environment helps minimise infestations. Without pesticides, crops are cleaner and healthier; and they appeal to health conscious consumers.
The reduction in land use and transportation also contributes to lower carbon footprints. By situating farms closer to consumers, cities can cut the greenhouse gas emissions linked to transporting produce over long distances.
Nevertheless, vertical farming faces several challenges despite its promise.
High upfront costs remain a major barrier. The advanced technology needed for climate control, LED lighting and automated systems calls for substantial investments – and this makes it difficult for small enterprises to enter the market.
Energy consumption is also costly since the reliance on artificial lighting and controlled temperature settings leads to high electricity usage. Therefore, electricity needs to be generated through renewable energy sources.
Scalability also poses a challenge.
While vertical farms can produce fresh vegetables and herbs effectively, staple crops like grains and cereals are harder to grow indoors due to space and yield constraints. Scaling up VF to feed large populations economically and sustainably will require further innovation and technological breakthroughs.
However, as technology advances, the future of vertical farming looks promising. Innovations in AI and IoT are enabling more efficient monitoring and control of growing conditions, as well as optimising water and nutrient usage.
Robotics can streamline planting and harvesting processes, reduce labour costs and enhance productivity. Integrating vertical farms into smart city frameworks with renewable energy sources powering operations will be key to improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
While challenges remain – particularly in terms of energy consumption and high initial costs – the potential economic, environmental and societal benefits are substantial.
As cities and investors continue to embrace this innovative method, VF can become an integral part of urban infrastructure, offering fresh locally grown produce with reduced environmental impact.
Vertical farming presents a promising path forward for cities facing limited space and high food demand by providing a model for sustainable urban living.