India is a rapidly evolving nation. The increase in industrialization is putting much arable land at risk. A solution to this problem is vertical farming. The term was coined in 1915 by Gilbert Ellis Bailey, expanded upon in his book of the same name. The modern concept of vertical farming was proposed in 1999 by Professor Dickson Despommier, revolving around the idea that urban areas should produce their own food to save resources and time spent on transportation.
Understanding Vertical Farming
Unlike traditional farming which grows crops horizontally on the ground, vertical farming cultivates crops in vertical, stacked layers. This method puts less pressure on scarce land and water resources. It encompasses soilless farming techniques like aeroponics and hydroponics. These come under ‘protected cultivation’ where multiple variables such as water, soil, temperature, and humidity can be controlled and regulated. Such cultivation practices show great potential in shortening our farm-to-plate supply chains and making food available closer to consumers.
Different Types of Soilless Cultivation
One type of vertical farming is Hydroponics, where plants are grown in a nutrient-rich, water-based solution. The roots are supported using an inert medium like perlite, clay pellets, peat moss, or vermiculite, providing necessary oxygen for growth.
A similar method but void of a growing medium and flowing water is Aeroponics. As an environment-friendly way of farming, plant roots are suspended in the air and cultivated in a humid environment. This technique allows farmers to control greenhouse conditions like humidity, temperature, pH levels, and water conductivity.
In contrast, Aquaponics combines aquaculture with hydroponics in a closed system. It involves three biological components: fish, plants, and bacteria. With fish feces being used as fertilizer for the plants, and plants cleaning the water for fish, it embodies a symbiotic relationship.
Why Vertical Farming is Important
Vertical farming offers several benefits. While initial capital cost may be high, proper crop production design makes vertical farming financially viable. It is more than 95% water-efficient compared to traditional agriculture practices, making it particularly beneficial for a country like India with limited water resources.
Furthermore, vertical farming cultivates crops without pesticides, positively contributing to public health by providing consumers with fresh, healthy, and sustainable produce. Lastly, protected cultivation could create new jobs and skill sets, providing economic opportunities for agriculture students.
The Way Forward: Encouraging Soilless Techniques for Food Security
Strengthening food production and distribution systems is crucial to combating hunger and addressing malnutrition. Aquaponics and hydroponics could be key to improving food security. The government should consider these methods as feasible alternatives to traditional farming and aid in making these techniques affordable to more farmers.
Providing Knowledge and Skills for Soilless Techniques
While these alternative techniques can be used by a variety of stakeholders, safe, successful, and sustainable implementation requires specific knowledge and skills development.
Facilitating Sustainable Farming
In India, there is constant pressure on agricultural land. With Aeroponics and Hydroponics, discussions can shift from land constraints to more sustainable farming techniques.
Integrating Vertical Farming into Schools
Though such systems might be challenging to maintain, it’s not impossible given the right understanding. Schools could encourage students to install Aquaponic systems as practical tasks for core STEM subjects like Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering. This could be an excellent opportunity to prepare future generations for an innovative and sustainable approach to agriculture.
