With the land available for farming fast-shrinking and given the exponential increase in population, Indian agricultural scientists and policy makers are giving serious thought to ‘vertical farming’ that makes effective use of urban spaces for growing horticultural produce.
About 150 experts, scientists and entrepreneurs from India and various other countries have begun the process of deliberations in Bengaluru on ways of taking forward vertical farming in India. This is part of an international workshop being organised by the Munich-based Association of Vertical Farming and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Speaking to The Hindu , ICAR Deputy Director-General N.K. Krishna Kumar said the scope of vertical farming goes far beyond terrace gardening.
It involves cultivation of various horticultural crops — fruits and vegetables, besides rare varieties of flowers such as orchids in multiple layers, with the help of proper supporting structures that can go up to a height of 20 to 25 floors. Apiary is also part of the vertical farming system.
This will ensure availability of organic, fresh vegetables and fruits on one’s doorstep. Residents can use their kitchen waste, which will also help fight the problem of garbage disposal, he said.
This would also add aesthetic value, he added.
He said it is possible to grow enough vegetables and fruits or flowers even in apartments through vertical gardening.
Scientists also hope to encourage urban residents to go for commercial cultivation through vertical farming.
According to experts, it is possible to take up normal cultivation that uses soil if the vertical gardening system is taken up outside the house. Similarly, soilless farming, backed by LED lights to make up for shortage of sunlight, would have to be tried out for cultivation either inside the house or on a commercial basis.

Source : The Hindu