Introduction
The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to a significant reduction in arable land, making traditional agriculture increasingly unsustainable in cities. Vertical farming has emerged as an innovative solution to address these challenges. By utilizing vertical spaces within urban settings, a viable solution to ensure food security, environmental sustainability, and urban resilience can be achieved.
Problem Statement
- Scarcity of fertile soil due to limited space in urban environment poses significant challenges in achieving sustainable food production
- Increased dependence on external food sources, higher carbon footprints, and reduced food security
- Benefit of vertical farming in:
- Improving air quality and building cooling
- Reducing risk of urban flooding and countering urban heat island effects
- Access to nutrient rich food and reduced dependence on external food chains
Aim of the Project
- Promote sustainability and address the challenge of scarce fertile soil in urban environment
- To make the urban environment self-sufficient in quality food production
Solution by HITAM students
- Developed an advanced soilless farming system focused on growth efficiency, water conservation and space optimisation by:
- Utilising the water retention and water drainage properties of coco peat medium as an alternative to soil
- Real-time environmental monitoring to provide controlled agriculture environment using various sensors
- ML-powered plant growth/health classification to maximise growth efficiency
Conclusion
Vertical farming using cocopeat as an alternative for soil ensures self sufficiency of quality food in urban spaces where there is scarcity of space. Further, monitoring of the plant growth environment using IoT ensures timely intervention and provides proper care assuring better yield. Machine Learning was leveraged both to classify the plant growth stages and the diseases.
Learning Outcome
The key take away for the project from the student perspective is the rich learning experience across disciplines and the ability to work with different teams in achieving the goal. Collaborating in interdisciplinary teams improved their interpersonal & teamwork skills and presenting their findings and solutions to peers and faculty enhanced their public speaking.
Team
