“What are you up to, Orak?” Felix said as he dropped his backpack in the bean bag beside Orak, “It’s only us today. Verum and Scorch are still in school!”
“I am just reading a report. Did you know that 70% of the global population will live in the urban areas (cities, towns) by 2050?” Orak said, “So, the people living in urban areas will need more food. But the current food supply chains aren’t always strong.”
“You’re right,” Felix said, “Is there a solution?”
“A new generation of farmers have come up with an excellent method – urban farming,” Orak said.
“Urban farming?” Felix said, as his eyes lightened up, “Does it mean growing crops and fruits in cities and towns? I love growing plants and trees!”
“Yes, Felix, I know,” Orak chuckled.
“Peas&Love is an urban farm company. It has farms operating in seven locations in France and Belgium. With their urban farms, they are bringing food production closer to the people in the cities,” Orak added.
“But where do they grow food in the cities? There are only roads and buildings and no space!” Felix said.
“They use flat rooftops,” Orak answered, “Farms can also be made on office building roofs, railway tracks, empty or underused parking lots.”
“Oh, my MysticLord! I never thought of that!” Felix exclaimed.
“People who want access to food pay Peas&Love a monthly subscription,” Orak said, “There are many other companies with the idea of urban farms. One such company, Roofscapes, is creating urban farms on the roofs of Paris.
There is also a rise in indoor farms. It can be used where climate conditions aren’t favorable for growing food outside. One advantage of indoor farms is that it uses 90% less water!”
“But urban farming has its hurdles,” Orak added.
“Such as?” Felix said.
“Grains such as rice or wheat have high demand in urban areas. They need to be grown in large quantities. But urban farm areas are too small for that. It’s also difficult to get legal permissions to create an urban farm on rooftops. One day you might have an urban farm, and next day you might be asked to stop the cultivation!” Orak said.
“That’s unfortunate,” Felix said, “but I hope the practice catches up soon. It helps city dwellers produce and consume food right where they live!”
Orak nodded, “There needs to be a good economic model for urban farming. It might take a few years though.”