• Vertical Farming is the practice of producing food in the vertically inclined surfaces.
• Japan has been one of the early pioneers of vertical farming.
• The crops are grown indoors under artificial conditions of light and temperature.
• It uses soil-less methods such as Hydroponics , Aquaponics and Aeroponics.
• HYDROPONICS : Growing plants in a nutrient solution root medium(without soil).
• AQUAPONICS : It is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. This technique uses fishes that eat and produce waste. This waste acts as the food for bacteria, which converts it into the perfect fertilizer for plants.
• AEROPONICS : Plant cultivation technique in which roots hang suspended in the air while nutrient solution is delivered to them in the form of a fine mist.

ADVANTAGES:

1. It removes the uncertainties inherent in nature i.e. variations in rainfall, light, wind and competition among plants for nutrients in the soil.
2. Higher yield as compared to traditional growing methods.
3. Reduction in water usage as water can be recycled and reused.
4. Lesser use of fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide. This will help in reducing water pollution, harmful algal blooms as these chemicals ultimately escape in the water bodies.

DISADVANTAGES:

1. High capital and operating expenses.
2. The use of LEDs for providing light adds to the cost.
3. Pollination problems.
4. Spread of Pests.
5. High maintenance costs.