The rapid pace of urbanization is reshaping global demographics, with projections by UN-Habitat (2004) indicating that 60% of the world's population will reside in cities by 2030, reaching nearly 6 billion by 2050. While urban centers drive economic growth, they also present significant challenges, particularly in food security, farmland shortages, and increasing food miles, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The decline in the agricultural workforce, as highlighted by Bettencourt & West (A Unified Theory of Urban Living), further exacerbates concerns about future food production. Additionally, the transformation of rural areas into urban settlements, particularly in cities like Delhi, has intensified dependence on peri-urban regions for food supply. However, with limited land availability in cities, sustainable solutions are needed to integrate food production within urban spaces. Vertical farming has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional agriculture, offering an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly approach to food production. Techniques such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics have revolutionized urban farming by maximizing yields while minimizing land and resource use. These high-tech solutions are particularly relevant in land-scarce and densely populated cities, where traditional farming is unfeasible. Countries like Singapore have successfully implemented urban agriculture, while Indian cities, despite having considerable urban farming activity, face financial, technological, and institutional challenges in scaling up these initiatives. This paper examines the role of urban agriculture and vertical farming in addressing food security challenges in India, analyzing their potential, existing limitations, and necessary policy interventions. Key barriers to large-scale implementation include a lack of technical expertise, economic feasibility concerns, and regulatory constraints. To promote vertical farming as a sustainable solution, it is imperative to develop cost-effective, scalable, and low-maintenance farming models that require minimal labor and operational expenses. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of resilient food production systems, reinforcing the need for innovative urban farming solutions to meet the nutritional demands of a growing population

Aeroponics, hydroponics, pandemic, urbanization, vertical farming

A growing awareness and understanding of vertical farming (VF) can play a transformative role in strengthening global food security and ensuring agricultural viability in the face of increasing urbanization and climate change. Innovative technologies—such as aeroponic systems, advanced insulation methods, and pest-free plant cultivation—have not only revolutionized greenhouse farming but have also paved the way for modern, space-efficient practices like rooftop and indoor farming. In urban environments, smart climate control systems and natural light optimization techniques are enabling energy-efficient food production while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These advancements have made it possible to cultivate food locally within densely populated cities, where land is scarce and traditional agriculture cannot meet rising demands. Vertical farming stands out for its efficiency, flexibility, and environmental benefits. By creating controlled environments tailored to specific crop requirements, VF minimizes resource wastage, eliminates the use of harmful chemicals, and drastically reduces dependency on fossil fuels. It also mitigates the impact of unpredictable weather and natural disasters, allowing year-round production with multiple harvests. While the scope of its benefits may appear ambitious, VF has already proven its viability in real-world settings. As adoption becomes more widespread, it has the potential to alleviate global hunger, reduce environmental degradation, and make food systems more resilient to climate change. Most successful vertical farms are located in cities with populations exceeding 150,000, particularly in Europe and North America, which currently lead the way in sustainable urban agriculture. In high-density Asian metropolises such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur, VF is being increasingly integrated into city centers to meet local food needs and reduce dependence on long-distance food transport. Furthermore, vertical farming is reshaping the fields of architecture and urban planning. By combining food production with building design, VF introduces a multifunctional approach to city development—promoting green, healthy, and sustainable urban living. It supports the vision of cities not only as centers of consumption but also as hubs of food production, offering both ecological advantages and social well-being

Govind Kumar and Pawan Kumar Sharma (2025). Feeding Cities from the Clouds the Rise of Vertical Farming in Urban Landscapes. Biological Forum, 17(5a): 11-15