Revolutionising urban farming with biostimulants, aeroponics

By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 10 billion, posing a significant challenge to improving food production with limited resources. Conventional farming practices and the excessive use of chemical fertilisers have negatively impacted the environment and compromised food quality.

Biostimulants, which are organic or inorganic substances, can help plants grow under stressful conditions, enhance productivity and quality, and improve nutrient use efficiency. Studies have shown that biostimulants can enhance both the quality and yield of vegetables, making them an innovative tool for organic farming and kitchen gardening.

In parallel, the rising urban population has driven a revolution in urban farming through aeroponic planting methods. Aeroponics, a form of vertical farming, enables plants to grow without soil by applying nutrient-rich mist directly to their roots. This method accelerates plant growth, yields nutrient-dense produce, and reduces the likelihood of plant diseases.

Aeroponic systems are versatile and can be installed on rooftops, vertical towers, specialised racks, or enclosed chambers. When integrated with biostimulants, aeroponics offers a sustainable approach to organic farming in urban areas. This method can also be adopted as an agribusiness to meet household food needs rather than solely for commercial purposes.

Pakistan is not lacking in researchers or research institutions working in this area. The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) has successfully experimented with growing potatoes using aeroponic techniques. Similarly, the Swat University of Agriculture has been exploring aeroponics for cultivating leafy vegetables.

Young entrepreneurs and household businesswomen can adopt aeroponics to grow organic, healthier, and sustainable food for themselves and their communities. In the future, urban farming could play a critical role in feeding the growing populations of cities. 

(The writer is an IPFP Fellow (HEC) Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Emerson University Multan)