The thought of vertical farming flashed in my mind before two years when I was working on a new form of solar panel. When increasing the solar efficiency with traditional flat panels became difficult whole world turned towards identifying new materials for solar panels to maximize the output. But I resorted to nature to find a new form of solar panel capable of producing maximum photo-voltaic output per unit area. I began to search the plants and flowers from water hyacinths to dandelions to find a structure capable of maximum solar interception. Fibonacci series and tessellations were of great help to understand those structures. Suddenly, I felt that the same principle can be utilized parallelly in the field of agriculture to maximize the land area for cultivation. Belonging to a farming community, I came across multiple problems faced by marginal and small scale farmers in India. I felt it is important to give priority to land optimization than solar panel optimization since it holds the key to solve the twin problem in India i.e. indebtedness of farmers and malnutrition perpetuated by poverty. When I began my preliminary research, I came across several methods of vertical farming. But almost all of those models lack proper scientific understanding on plant physiology or agricultural economics. Scientists in developed countries have shown interest on indoor farms (identified as vertical farms these days). But these type of farms are not helpful for the farmers in developing countries. Hence I decided to take-up the research to find a method of vertical farming suitable for adaptation by small scale farmers in developing countries.
This book is divided into eight chapters. In the first two chapters, we comprehend the current state of Vertical farming and understand why vertical farming is the Holy Grail for next green revolution?
In the third chapter we understand, why current model of vertical farming is not suitable for developing countries?
In the fourth chapter we go through the experiments conducted and understand the problems that occur at the fundamental level.
In the fifth and sixth chapters, we learn the method of cultivation and crop management techniques to establish vertical farms successfully in fields. If you are interested in learning the method of cultivation alone, you can jump directly to the chapters 5 and 6.
In the seventh chapter, we appreciate the advantages of vertical farming in fields.
Finally in the last chapter, we attempt to realize the potential of Vertical farms at scale in establishing organic farms or using it as a business model for the benefit of agricultural entrepreneurs.
This book is divided into eight chapters. In the first two chapters, we comprehend the current state of Vertical farming and understand why vertical farming is the Holy Grail for next green revolution?
In the third chapter we understand, why current model of vertical farming is not suitable for developing countries?
In the fourth chapter we go through the experiments conducted and understand the problems that occur at the fundamental level.
In the fifth and sixth chapters, we learn the method of cultivation and crop management techniques to establish vertical farms successfully in fields. If you are interested in learning the method of cultivation alone, you can jump directly to the chapters 5 and 6.
In the seventh chapter, we appreciate the advantages of vertical farming in fields.
Finally in the last chapter, we attempt to realize the potential of Vertical farms at scale in establishing organic farms or using it as a business model for the benefit of agricultural entrepreneurs.
