Vertical farming is a modern cultivation method where crops are grown in vertically stacked layers or inclined surfaces, often within controlled environments and using advanced technologies. This method maximises the use of limited space, reduces the need for extensive land, and minimises water usage. There has been a growing interest in vertical farming across the world. According to data from Statista, the global vertical farming market is estimated to hit over 35 billion by 2032².

The Sky Greens vertical farm ³ in Singapore is one example of this approach. As the first commercial vertical farm in the world, Sky Greens employs rotating tiers of growing troughs mounted on an aluminium frame, which can be as high as 9 metres tall and accommodate different types of soil or hydroponics.

One of the main benefits of vertical farming is that it can operate independently of external climate conditions. As temperatures spike and erratic rainfall becomes more common around the world, vertical farms offer immense stability for farmers. Elements of farming such as light, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and nutrient concentration can be monitored and adjusted as needed to provide the perfect conditions for each crop. This level of control means that fresh vegetables and herbs can be produced consistently, irrespective of the season.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Vertical farming can also adopt many different technologies to make them efficient and scalable. For example, they could utilise the Internet of Things (IoT), where sensors collect data on soil moisture, air quality, and plant health in real time. This information can be used to monitor plant conditions and respond to changes instantly.

AbyFarm⁴ is one such agri-tech company in Singapore that adopts IoT technologies in their vertical farm. At AbyFarm, IoT sensors are used to monitor quantities such as light, air, and water temperature and automate processes to understand crop cycles and set up ideal environments to improve yields and crop quality. Modular Farms, an agritech company from Australia, also adopts IoT technology to provide farmers with real-time data on environmental and soil conditions⁵, while FarmOne, a New York-based vertical farm, uses sensors to monitor plant health, among other attributes⁶.

Data analytics capabilities are key to analysing the data from sensors and translating them into meaningful insights for decision-making. Analysing large amounts of data helps farms forecast yield, identify inefficiencies, and plan crop rotations for maximum output. This analytical approach helps vertical farms to be highly productive, even with limited space, so that every square metre can be used to its fullest potential.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) takes this one step further by helping automate decision-making processes, including optimising lighting schedules and water usage. For example, if a crop needs more light during a cloudy week, the AI can adjust LED light panels to ensure that growth remains uninterrupted. In other cases, machine learning algorithms might predict nutrient deficiencies before they become a problem, allowing farmers to take preventive measures.

Software-defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN)

These technologies essentially form a self-sufficient farming ecosystem. Technologies such as Software-defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) can also be in play to support and power this ecosystem. The deployment of IoT sensors at different farms can be simplified using SD-WAN, ensuring optimal network performance, enabling smooth data flow and providing a consistent user experience. This is crucial as vertical farms scale up when having a stable and secure network becomes key for operations.

Singtel's SD-WAN and IoT solutions can support agri-tech businesses in building resilient, tech-enabled operations. The SD-WAN offers a flexible and agile network with seamless cloud connectivity, intelligent traffic steering and easy deployment, while the IoT connectivity solutions a broad portfolio of products to fit business needs, including different SIM options, a unified platform and much more.

Vertical farming is emerging as a solution to food security challenges globally, especially in regions affected by climate change. By creating controlled environments for crops, these high-tech farms offer consistent yields regardless of weather disruptions.

Technologies like IoT, AI, and data analytics optimise every aspect of production, from monitoring plant health to automating resource use. This innovation allows farmers to get the most out of their farming areas, use their resources more effectively and plan ahead using forecasts, allowing for a more self-sufficient and sustainable food system.

References:

1. The State of Food Security and Nutrition 2024, UNICEF, 2024
2. Projected vertical farming market worldwide from 2022 to 2032, Statista, 2023
3. Sky Greens Vertical Farming
4. IoT sensors enable urban farming in Singapore, FutureIoT, 2021
5. Modular Farms: The Ultimate Vertical Farming Solution, Blynk
6. Vertical farming technology: IoT, AI & robotics, Vertical, 2023