Ep 24. Vertical Farm

Vertical farming is a relatively new idea, but with the global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, it's an idea that's rapidly gaining in popularity. On this week's episode of Innovation Nation, we take a look at one of the most innovative vertical farms in the world: Sky Greens in Singapore.

We start off with a little bit of background on the concept of vertical farming. Essentially, it's a way of growing crops in stacked layers, often in urban areas or other places where space is at a premium. This can be done indoors under artificial lighting, or outdoors with natural light. The benefits of vertical farming include increased crop yields, reduced water usage, and the ability to grow crops year-round, regardless of weather conditions. It's also a more sustainable way of farming, as it reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers, and eliminates transportation costs.

At Sky Greens, they're taking vertical farming to the next level with their patented A-Go-Gro system. This system consists of rotating tiers of crops, which allows each plant to receive the optimal amount of sunlight and water. The system is powered by solar panels, which also supply energy to the farm's cooling system. This ensures that the crops remain at a consistent temperature, which is crucial for their growth.

The farm is located in the heart of Singapore, which is known for its hot and humid climate. Despite this, the A-Go-Gro system is able to produce up to 10 times more crops per square foot than traditional farming methods. The farm currently grows a variety of leafy greens, including lettuce, spinach, and kale, which are sold to local markets and restaurants.

We get a behind-the-scenes look at how the system works, from the planting and harvesting processes, to the maintenance and upkeep of the farm. We also learn about the challenges that come with vertical farming, including the need for specialized equipment and software to monitor the crops.

One of the most impressive aspects of Sky Greens is their dedication to sustainability. The farm recycles its own wastewater and uses organic fertilizers to minimize waste. They also work to educate the public about the benefits of vertical farming and sustainable agriculture.

We hear from the founder of Sky Greens, Jack Ng, who talks about his vision for the future of farming. He hopes to expand the farm to other countries, and to continue developing new technologies to improve crop yields and reduce environmental impact.

Overall, the episode is an inspiring look at the possibilities of vertical farming, and the innovative ways in which we can feed a growing world population while minimizing our impact on the planet. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainability, agriculture, or cutting-edge technology.