Vertical farming is a component of urban agriculture and it is also an indoor farming practice. In the world today, food security has been a major challenge, due to its growing population and there is still need for more food production to meet the global consumption.
According to UNPD, (2009), the world population will increase from about 6.9 billion in 2010 to 9.2 billion in 2050 and the urban population will likewise increase from 50.46 percent in 2010 to 68.70 percent in 2050. It is expected that world population will continue to increase and currently, the growth rate per year is about 80 million.
Vertical farming can take place in greenhouses, skyscrapers, controlled environment agriculture etc.
Advantages of Vertical Farming
- It can resist any weather
- It conserves energy
- Sustainable urban growth
- Reduces transportation costs
- It does not require soil and fertilizer
- Higher yields
- Increase year round crop production
- Respond greatly to climate change (controlled climate)
- Environment friendly
- Less water is needed
- It will reduce pest infestation and post harvest spoilage
- Organic crops production
- Human health friendly
- Vertical farming would reduce the need for new farmland
Therefore, intensifying indoor urban farming via the establishment of vertical farms in urban centers may likely be the solution to food security for the growing population.
Big business investors should start thinking of investing into vertical agriculture, in other to produce adequate food for the growing population so as to curb the menace of food insecurity in the world.
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