Can vertical farming provide a sustainable source of food in metropolitan cities, in an eco-friendly way?
Yes, I believe vertical farming is a great alternative to traditional farming methods and will immensely benefit us in the future. With a steadily increasing population, land scarcity is becoming more of an issue. Vertical farms are a creative technological advancement which allows us to grow a lot more food using less land. As urbanisation is increasing, vertical farms will allow us to grow food within cities, and help to decrease transportation costs as well. This method can be used throughout the day (including the night) and also throughout the year. Using vertical farming resources like water will also be used efficiently as there are very minimal water wastage. It is also eco-friendly as no pesticides are used and decreased need of transportation helps decrease pollution. However, modifications do need to be made so as to address economic issues. If these issues can be resolved then vertical farming can be increasingly used in the world and will be an innovative way to solve the issue of land scarcity and food shortages.
Yes, I believe vertical farming is a great alternative to traditional farming methods and will immensely benefit us in the future. With a steadily increasing population, land scarcity is becoming more of an issue. Vertical farms are a creative technological advancement which allows us to grow a lot more food using less land. As urbanisation is increasing, vertical farms will allow us to grow food within cities, and help to decrease transportation costs as well. This method can be used throughout the day (including the night) and also throughout the year. Using vertical farming resources like water will also be used efficiently as there are very minimal water wastage. It is also eco-friendly as no pesticides are used and decreased need of transportation helps decrease pollution. However, modifications do need to be made so as to address economic issues. If these issues can be resolved then vertical farming can be increasingly used in the world and will be an innovative way to solve the issue of land scarcity and food shortages.
Image showing a vertical farm incorporated in a city.
Vertical farms are already starting to be used in metropolitan cities as a sustainable source of food. In Tokyo, Japan following 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Mr. Shimamura has converted a vacant semi-conductor factory into the world’s largest interior vertical farm. In this 25,000 square feet of space over 10,000 lettuce heads are produced daily. There is 40% less power used, 99% less water is used and 80% less food wastage on this farm than on a traditional farm. Similarly many other metropolis’s have started projects with vertical farms.
Image of vertical farm in Tokyo, Japan