Aeroponics in Vertical Gardening: A Sustainable Business Model for Urban Agriculture
Gayathri B, Gayathri V, Hari Shanmugaram B, Jayaraj M Ganiger,
K R Shreevarsha, Kavana R, Dr. Pooja Nagpal
Students, Associate Professor
Faculty of Management Studies, CMS, Business School, JAIN (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India,
gayathri_b23@cms.ac.in
gayathri_v23@cms.ac.in
hari_shanmuga23@cms.ac.in
jayaraj_m23@cms.ac.in
Shreevarsha_kr23@cms.ac.in
kavana_r23@cms.ac.in
dr.pooja_nagpaal@cms.ac.in
Abstract
The rapid urbanization and increasing global population have placed significant strain on traditional agricultural systems, necessitating sustainable and space-efficient alternatives. Aeroponic vertical farming has emerged as an innovative solution that enables soil-free crop cultivation using a nutrient-rich mist, reducing water consumption by up to 95% and maximizing land efficiency by 90% compared to conventional farming. This study examines the technological advancements, economic viability, market potential, and environmental impact of aeroponic farming. A comparative analysis with hydroponic and soil- based systems highlights the superior yield, resource efficiency, and scalability of aeroponics. The study also explores the financial feasibility of a commercial aeroponic farm, demonstrating its strong revenue potential despite initial investment costs. Findings indicate that IoT-driven automation, AI-based monitoring, and LED-based precision lighting enhance the effectiveness of aeroponic systems, ensuring consistent crop production in controlled environments. Additionally, the growing consumer demand for pesticide-free, locally sourced produce has driven market adoption, particularly through direct-to-consumer sales and partnerships with quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and BigBasket. While aeroponics presents a sustainable and commercially viable farming model, challenges such as high energy dependence, technical expertise requirements, and initial capital costs must be addressed for large-scale adoption. The research suggests that renewable energy integration, AI-powered nutrient optimization, and policy incentives will play a crucial role in making aeroponics a mainstream agricultural practice. This study concludes that aeroponic vertical farming represents a transformative approach to food production, with the potential to enhance food security, reduce environmental impact, and drive urban agricultural innovation. Future advancements in automation, alternative energy sources, and market expansion will be key to scaling this technology globally.
Keywords: Aeroponics, vertical farming, urban agriculture, hydroponics, IoT farming, sustainable agriculture, food security