International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Briti Sil and Geetikirti Sahoo

abstract
The accelerating pace of urbanization, coupled with mounting pressures from land degradation, freshwater scarcity, and climate variability, necessitates a shift in the global food production paradigm. Vertical farming has emerged as a transformative and scalable alternative to conventional agriculture, offering high-efficiency, space-optimized, and climate-resilient food production through advanced soilless cultivation methods such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. This review paper critically examines the basics, technological advantages, and sustainability dimensions of vertical farming, with a focus on the role of extension in promoting vertical farming. Beyond its technical significance, the contribution of vertical farming encompasses achieving food security, generating employment for urban people, and modernizing agriculture, aligning with a sustainable agricultural production system. Despite this, the field faces precarious restraints, including substantial energy demands, limited crop variety, high capital investment, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Even though traditional farming systems remain indispensable for diverse large-scale crop production, vertical farming offers an alternative and advanced model capable of tackling key environmental, economic, and social challenges. The paper emphasizes the need for technological scalability, continued innovation, and policy integration to unlock the full potential of vertical farming as a climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural production system.