The mass-cultivation of plants using hydroponics — without pesticides, fertilizers or soil — could be the future of agriculture in China. A scaled-down version of such a “plant factory” was one of the most popular exhibits at a recent expo in Beijing on the country’s major technological achievements over the past five years.
The 12-square-meter greenhouse housed a variety of vegetables neatly arranged on shelves containing water and nutrient solutions, and under red and blue LED lights.
Beijing citizen Liu Yuping felt inspired, envisaging a mini version on her balcony at home. “Not only does it looks beautiful, but it produces safe vegetables, I need not worry about pesticides, because the technician told me there won’t be any pests,” Liu said.
At nearly 10,000 yuan (US$1,520) per square meter, however, there is unlikely to be a rush just yet.