Chengdu vertical farm takes agriculture to new heights

Despite high costs in equipment, energy consumption and R&D, the farm's strawberries command premium prices ranging from 200 to 400 yuan per kilogram — several times that of regular strawberries — due to their rare varieties and exceptional safety standards: zero pesticides, hormones, or heavy metals.

Another crucial application of vertical farming technology is accelerating crop breeding.

"Previously, researchers had to travel to tropical Hainan province to accelerate crop breeding. Now, this can be achieved right here in our plant factory," Wang said. "Through precise coupling control of light, temperature and nutrients, the growth cycle of crops such as rice and wheat can be shortened by half or more."

Looking ahead, Wang said their focus will be on reducing energy consumption and fixed investment costs to facilitate broader commercial adoption.

"If controlled nuclear fusion is realized in the future and leads to a significant drop in electricity costs, plant factories will undoubtedly achieve large-scale implementation," he added.

pengchao@chinadaily.com.cn