Vertical farming in food security is a calculated move that will significantly reduce import dependency, increase resilience to climate change, and sustainably produce food. Explore a brief discussion on how the move supports food security enhancement.
We all know what food security is. The assurance that there is food reaching every single month on the earth is itself very comforting but, is it happening everywhere? No right! Also, not only the food but a high-quality, nutritional and sufficient quantity. Before we get to know what vertical farming food security is, we must know its importance in arid regions like the Middle East.
In the Middle East, especially in the GCC countries, the percentage of food imports will shock you. It's 85%. This means due to its arid climate and water-tense situation, no food can be sustained. This is when Vertical Farming comes into play.
You can read our blog: https://verticalfarmingshow.com/vertical-farming-in-middle-east.html where we have talked about recent advances in the region.
In this blog, we will find out what role vertical farming plays in food security.
1) Ability to Produce Bountiful Crops: Year-round production is what makes vertical farming - the best. This is the only contemporary farming method that does not depend upon season.
● Resource-saving is the biggest advantage here, it involves less land use and what is used is utilized best.
● Water is 95% saved and contributes to vertical farming food security.
Our previous blog: https://verticalfarmingshow.com/vertical-farming-commercially-viable.html discusses the commercial viability of the blog.
2) Smart Technology Integration: Unlike traditional farming, every aspect of vertical farming has technology which not only makes the process effective but cost-effective.
Some of the benefits of vertical farming technologies are as follows:
● LED Technology: Provides specific spectrum to the plants.
White and purple lights are mostly seen inside the vertical farming set-up.
● Robotics and Automation: planting, harvesting, and monitoring crop health had never been so easy - thanks to this technology.
● 3D Printing: This is used to create custom components and innovative structures for vertical farms.
3) Sustainable Practices: Given the weather of the Middle East, by providing a locally controlled, resource-efficient solution to agricultural challenges in the region - vertical farming ensures food is locally grown, hygienically consumed and is less wasted.
● Earlier when food travelled significant distances, a lot of food got wasted during transition.
4) Reduced Transportation Cost: Transportation costs in conventional practices can be too expensive. Food is grown in one region and consumed in another.
But, vertical farming has eased this. Also, the amount saved can be directly kept for food security in various ways such as:
● Invest in local agriculture: Allocation of saved funds to benefit small-scale farmers.
● Enhance and invest in storage and warehouse.
● Support local community food programs.
● Strengthen the distribution network by procuring more vehicles to commute.
Now, we know what makes vertical farming food secure and sustainable. For the Middle East, this is one of the best and ideal modes of growing fresh produce. In the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, vertical farming is gaining traction as a strategic response to challenges posed by harsh climates and limited arable land. These Middle Eastern nations are rapidly adopting vertical farming technologies to overcome traditional agricultural constraints, particularly in the face of water scarcity and the need for food security.
Read the blog on how UAE is thriving in Vertical Farming: https://verticalfarmingshow.com/vertical-farming-in-uae.html
The growth of vertical farming in Middle Eastern countries like UAE, KSA and Qatar is a pivotal development for future food security in the region. By leveraging controlled environments, these countries can boost local food production, reduce dependence on imports, and ensure a more resilient and sustainable food supply. The proximity of vertical farms to urban centres also streamlines the distribution of fresh produce, contributing to a more efficient and secure food chain in the Middle East.
