Vertical farming: A sustainable agriculture format of the future

Abstract

With a burgeoning global population and diminishing agricultural land per capita, the urgency to meet escalating food demands while confronting challenges like climate change, soil fertility loss, and water scarcity has sparked interest in alternative farming methods. Vertical farming emerges as a promising solution, this review article explores the background, necessity, types, and advantages of vertical farming, focusing on hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. These methods offer water efficiency, space optimization, year-round cultivation, mitigating climate-related risks and reducing reliance on herbicides and pesticides. Despite limitations in research and skilled resources, vertical farming in India promises high yield and sustainability. Emphasizing technological advancements, scaling up, refined local methods, and government support becomes pivotal for its economic viability and widespread adoption. Robust research and strategic investments are essential to foster innovation and enable farmers to embrace this transformative agricultural approach.