A Review on Hydroponics and Vertical Farming for Vegetable Cultivation: Innovations and Challenges
Subhash Verma
School of Agriculture, Eklavya University, Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, 470661, India.
Ashutosh Kumar
Department of Horticulture Vegetables, KVK, Narkatiyaganj, RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar, India.
Manju Kumari
Department of Horticulture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kishanganj, Bihar, India.
Naveen Kumar S *
Water Technology Centre, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
Smriti Hansda
College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhawanipatna, Odisha, India.
Anurag Saurabh
Department of Food Science and Post Harvest Technology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, India.
Suman Poonia
Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, India.
Shankar Dyal Rathore
Department of Horticulture, Sunrise University Alwar, Rajasthan, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Hydroponics and vertical farming represent transformative innovations in agriculture that provide sustainable and efficient solutions to the growing demand for fresh and nutritious vegetables around the world. The two modern cultivation techniques produce high yields within limited spaces, making them especially suitable for urban and peri-urban environments. This review delves into the underlying principles, key technologies, and the multifaceted challenges associated with these advanced farming systems. By leveraging controlled-environment agriculture, they optimize water and nutrient use while minimizing the dependency on arable land and traditional farming practices. However, widespread adoption faces hurdle such as substantial initial investment, energy-intensive operations, and the need for specialized technical expertise. This paper mentions some recent breakthroughs such as improved LED lighting, automation, and AI-driven monitoring of these systems that have amplified their efficiency and scalability. It also highlights the environmental and economic benefits and plays a crucial role in developing food security, reducing carbon footprints, and enabling sustainable urban agriculture. By analyzing the pros and cons, this paper will offer valuable insights to researchers, policymakers, as well as practitioners who desire to mainstream hydroponics and vertical farming into other agricultural practices.
Keywords: Hydroponics, vertical farming, techniques, Urban area, vegetable