Perspectives on Utilizing Green Practices and Digital Technologies for Vertical Farming in Oman

This study puts forward the perspective on the integration of digital technologies and green practices in context of vertical farming in Oman. As the global population is increasing leading to rapid urbanization, shrinking of arable land and resources, the traditional farming practices are expected to be insufficient to meet the rising food demand. Vertical farming emerges out to be a sustainable solution as it utilizes the vertical spaces and gave give harvest up to 36 times. The modern form of vertical farming can have the integration of various controllable factors which are usually beyond control in the traditional farming. Oman, a country with arid climate and limited arable land, is dependent on imports to meet its food demand; thus, it is studied in this study as a case for harnessing the green and digital technologies to enhance agricultural productivity. The research design for this study is qualitative where interviews and direct onsite observation techniques were used. The researchers focused on the existing infrastructure and practices of the farms keeping in mind the involvement of any digital or green technologies. Also, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders were conducted aiming to gather information on their awareness, processes, and views on vertical farming. It was found that the vertical farming is still an unknown concept for many farmers, and the farms that are practicing vertical farming are not utilizing the modern technologies to achieve its full potential. The vertical farms studied were found to have very cost effective techniques that were found to be pragmatic with the present conditions in the country.