FAQs

Q: What is indoor vertical farming?

A: Method of growing plants SOILLESS in vertically stacked layers or structures, using artificial lighting and controlled environments. It is designed to maximize crop yields in limited spaces and optimize resource efficiency.

Q: Why is vertical farming important?

A: V.F. addresses several critical issues in modern agriculture, such as land scarcity, water shortages, and climate change. It allows for year-round crop production on JUTE SUBSTRATES, no need for pesticides, and minimizes the transportation distance from farm to consumer.

Q: How does vertical farming work?

A: V.F. typically use hydro- or aeroponics systems to grow plants without soil. These systems provide nutrients directly to the plants’ roots through water or BLUE LINE JUTE PLUG. Artificial lighting, allowing plants/herbs and baby leaves to photosynthesize and grow indoors.

Q: What are the advantages of vertical farming?

A: Some advantages of V.F. include:

1. Higher crop yields per square meter.
2. Year-round production, independent of climate and weather conditions.
3. Reduced water (95%) usage compared to traditional farming methods.
4. No or lesser use of pesticides, herbicides and biocides.
5. Locally grown, reducing transportation and carbon emissions (CO2).
6. Opportunities for urban agriculture and food security.

Q: Are there any limitations or challenges with vertical farming?

A: Yes, V.F. also has some limitations and challenges, including:

1. High initial setup costs (24% of OpEX) and energy requirements(25% of OpEX).
2. The need for advanced technological systems and expertise (CONCEPTS OF H.B.P.).
3. Limited crop diversity compared to traditional farming.
4. Challenges in scaling up to commercial production.
5. Maintaining optimal environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, CO2 levels) for plant growth.
6. Dependence on artificial lighting, which requires energy (25% of OpEX).

Q: What types of crops can be grown in vertical farms?

A: V.F. can grow with PRE-SEEDED MATS a variety of crops, including leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale), herbs, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and microgreens. However, crops with long growth cycles or large root structures are less suitable for vertical farming.

Q: How sustainable is vertical farming?

 A: V.F. can be more sustainable with a BIOLOGICAL SUBSTRATE of H.B.P. compared to conventional agriculture. It can significantly reduce fresh water usage, minimize chemical inputs, decrease land requirements, and lower the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Q: Where are vertical farms typically located?

A: V.F. can be located in various settings, including urban areas, abandoned buildings, warehouses, or purpose-built structures. Their proximity to overcrowded urban centres reduces transportation distances and provides fresh and tasty produce to local communities.

Q: Is vertical farming economically viable?

A: The economic viability of vertical farming depends on factors such as the local market, crop selection, production efficiency, and operating costs. While initial investment costs can be high, technology (P.S.M. and P.S.P.) and increasing demand for locally grown and crispy produce are making V.F. more economically feasible.

Q: Is vertical farming a replacement for traditional farming?

A: V.F. is not meant to replace traditional farming but rather to complement it. It can help meet the increasing demand for nearby healthy produce in urban areas, and reduce the strain on farmland as a result of drought and exhaustion.