China’s first homegrown unmanned vertical plants factory was recently unveiled in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, the first of its kind globally, Chinese media reported.
Since the system is not affected by climate or geographical constraints, it can achieve a harvest of lettuce approximately every 35 days under controlled light, temperature and other conditions. With the capability to produce more than 10 harvests of green vegetables a year, it is equal to an estimated annual output of over 50 tons, equivalent to the yield of about 60 mu (4 hectares) of farmland. This significantly enhances land utilization efficiency and conserves arable resources, the report said.
This system can be utilized for food production in urban areas as well as in deserts and on barren lands. Its advantages are evident in addressing issues such as stable local food supply in future urban environments to expand cultivation space.
