Vertical farming was gaining popularity in the Philippines as farmers and home gardeners embraced this novel agricultural approach. It was initially designed as a solution for urban areas with limited space, but today considered a possible solution to the issues faced by limited agricultural land and the rising need for sustainable food production.
Currently, many Filipinos are converting their balconies, patios, and even inside areas into productive mini-farms. Vertical gardening systems allowed people to grow various vegetables, herbs, and even fruits in a small space.
The controlled atmosphere of vertical farms provides ideal growth conditions while minimizing pesticide usage and maximizing water and nutrient efficiency.
Vertical farming allows people to raise their fresh vegetables. Vertical gardens or living walls have become popular, particularly in metropolitan settings where space limits make regular gardening difficult.
Furthermore, vertical gardening at home gave various benefits other than access to fresh vegetables. It fosters a relationship with nature, supports sustainable habits, and improves household food security.
Families could benefit from growing their food while lowering their carbon footprint and contributing to a better world.
With a fast-rising population and limited arable land, the country has been looking for new options to maintain food security. Vertical farming was a possible solution since it maximizes land use efficiency by extending vertically rather than horizontally.
Farmers could create much better yields per square meter than traditional farming methods by planting crops in vertically stacked layers. Vertical farming entailed growing crops in vertically stacked layers using modern technology such as hydroponics, aeroponics and LED lighting systems.
Without depending on traditional soil-based agriculture, this technology enables the year-round cultivation of high-quality crops in a controlled environment.
The government and numerous organizations staunchly support vertical farming by giving farmers and home gardeners training, resources, and financial assistance. Workshops, demonstration farms, and the sale of vertical farming kits have all helped to raise awareness and information about this unique method.
King Tower Farm, a vertical farm project started by the city government of Quezon in Metro Manila, is one viable example of effective execution. With little agricultural area, the initiative turned abandoned buildings into multi-story indoor farms. It utilizes aeroponics to cultivate lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries.
Another example was Good Greens and Co. in Pasig City, which employed hydroponics to cultivate a variety of leafy greens. Furthermore, the Skyrise Greens in Taguig City used aquaponics to raise fish and vegetables. These trailblazers are paving the way for a thriving vertical farming business in the country.
These vertical farms have become a source of inspiration, providing a diverse range of vegetables and herbs locally and sustainably.
Vertical farming’s popularity indicated a transition toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural environment. Vertical farming has the potential to transform food production in the country due to its capacity to maximize land utilization, preserve water, and minimize the carbon footprint associated with traditional farming.
Through vertical farming, Filipinos can access fresh, locally grown vegetables while having better control over their food supplies. The idea of a greener, more self-sufficient Philippines was becoming a reality, one crop at a time, with vertical farming growing in house.