Vertical Farming

What is vertical farming?

• In vertical farming, crops are grown indoors, under artificial conditions of light and temperature.
• Vertical farming uses significantly less water and pesticides than traditional agricultural methods.
• It uses soil-less methods such as hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics.

What is its significance?

• Being indoors, the crops aren't subject to seasons and hence give high productivity year-round.
• Lettuces, tomatoes and green crops can be produced through this practice.
• It aims at higher productivity in smaller spaces.
• It is an eco-friendly type of agriculture as it uses significantly less water and pesticides.

Where it is practiced?

• Japan has been one of the early pioneers in vertical farming.
• It holds the largest share in the global vertical farming market.
• In Japan, vertical farming is born out of necessity where traditional farming is losing, due to ageing population and rural migration.