Vertical Farming in Kenya
Vertical Farming in Kenya
Why are most farmers shifting to vertical farming? Well, there are more reasons why farmers have decided otherwise for normal farming. I find this method interesting because it is efficient and crops grow well. In this era, when climate change is the biggest animal that is killing both plants and animals, we need to come up with agricultural innovations that will enable massive food production. The better part of the land is now occupied by human beings and others have not yet settled. What seems to solve this problem is vertical farming, but what is vertical farming? Vertical farming is the act of planting crops in vertically stacked layers
In Kenya, most people are practicing upward farming to grow vegetables and perennial crops, some are also using this to establish beauty in their home compounds. Vertical farming is budget-friendly and most farmers are utilizing plastics, and old tires to grow their crops upwards. There are more forms of vertical farming and this depends on your initial capital. You can set up a 6 storied vertical farm and get three times your normal harvest. The following are some of the benefits of practicing vertical farming.
Vertical farming in Kenya
Most Kenyan farmers are not aware of this upward farming. A few who are practicing it, are limited by technology and great innovations. Although this type of farming is the most appropriate method, it requires a lot of capital. Beginners can start with simple methods to eventually set up great farming.
Benefits of Vertical Farming
Space
Vertical farming can be practiced by anybody and everywhere including urban areas. The good news is that the farmer is not required to own a large piece of land to practice this. Surprisingly, you can practice farming while in your office these modern days. This method utilizes the vertical space that for a long time is either empty or occupied by tall trees or storied houses. Upward farming is the way to go.
Climatic Risks
Improved vertical farming practices entail the use of modern technologies made up of regulated temperatures and other favorable farming conditions that can be easily maintained by either machines or human beings. Most organization who has established upward farming use membrane-like soil that contains all the nutrients needed by the plant to grow. The plants are grown and surrounded by a transparent roof that easily allows penetration of light. The building is erected and nicely petitioned to grow a variety of crops. Since all the plants are enclosed in a room, the risk of harsh climatic conditions can not affect the plants. Heavy rainfall usually sweeps away plants, but this can not happen in vertical farming.
Labor Friendly
In most areas in Kenya where farmers are practicing vertical farming, they spend little money to set up simple structures. Little dirty work is needed. Most farmers can do this on their own and in their free time. Purchasing materials necessary for normal vertical farming is cheap and you can pay up to Ksh 500 for installation services.
Fertilizer Utilization
In Kenya, most farmers are using organic manure, they combine it with normal loam soil and use it for planting. Plants utilize the required fertilizer and develop properly. No competition for nutrients is witnessed among the plants. Furthermore, controlling weeds is simple and does not need a lot of work.
CONCLUSION
Vertical farming is the best method, especially at this time of climate change. With this method, you will need a good irrigation method that does not depend on rainfall. You can also make establish a good lighting system by using electricity. Perhaps, this upward farming will teach men how to grow healthy crops without depending on available natural resources.
Comments
Post a Comment