It’s a known fact that the global food systems face serious strain. In many regions, fertile land continues to shrink due to urban expansion, degradation, and poor land-use practices. Even water supplies are becoming tighter, and extreme weather has made harvests less predictable. At the same time, the demand for fresh produce, especially in cities, is rising faster than rural systems can supply.
Hence, there is a need to find better ways of producing food to feed today’s populations and future generations. One approach gaining ground is controlled environment agriculture, where crops grow in enclosed, carefully managed spaces, often without soil. These systems offer proximity to urban markets, lower water use, and insulation from climate shocks. However, the real test is whether these systems can deliver enough food across different regions and under real market conditions.
Can Soilless Agriculture Work Long-Term?
Long-term success depends on keeping core parts in good shape and making smart upgrades when needed. The main components, like lights, pumps, sensors, and nutrient controls, must work smoothly day after day. These parts will not last forever, but that doesn’t mean the system breaks down. It means maintenance must be regular, and upgrades must be thoughtful.
Many crops, such as lettuce, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, etc., already grow well in these systems. The main task now is to keep costs in check while raising output. Done right, soilless agriculture can stand the test of time.
Will Soilless Agriculture Produce Enough? At the Right Cost?
Production levels in soilless systems already meet the needs of small markets. Crops like lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, and strawberries grow in high-density setups with short cycles. Because of that, yields per square metre often surpass what open fields can offer. But hitting volume targets is only part of the story. The real test lies in doing so without accruing too much cost.
Soilless farming depends on steady electricity, close monitoring, and precise inputs. These needs can drive up expenses, especially in regions where the power supply is unstable or energy costs are already high. But, many operators have started to bring costs down by fine-tuning growing cycles, reusing water, and automating routine steps.
We are excited to share with you
This FREE E-Book of 50 Agritech Pioneers & Their Game Changing Innovations.
Download the Ebook nowÂ
In short, the method can produce enough when managed well. And while costs are a big factor in some places, smarter designs and scale are already shifting that balance in the right direction.
Does Controlled Environment Farming Fit Across Regions?
Controlled environment systems work best in places where open-field farming struggles, such as dry zones, poor soils, or regions hit by extreme weather. In these cases, they offer a steady way to grow fresh food, no matter the season. But the setup comes with demands. Power, infrastructure, and market access must align for the system to run well. In cities where space is limited but food demand is high, the model often makes sense. In rural areas where land is cheaper and markets are smaller, the cost may be harder to justify.
That doesn’t mean these systems have no place in regions with fertile soils. They can support the wider food system, especially when climate risks or land pressure slow production. Instead of replacing open fields, they help ease the load, where it’s needed most.
What Could Undermine the Growth of Indoor Farming?
Indoor farms rely on stable power, skilled workers, and a steady flow of supplies. These needs often shape how far and how fast the model can grow. Energy is at the centre. Since lights, pumps, and climate systems run around the clock, any rise in power costs can affect profits. In places where the grid is weak or bills run high, expansion becomes harder.
Finding the right people is just as important. These systems blend farming with technology, and they need teams who understand both. Not every region has enough trained hands to run or repair the setup when issues come up.
Supplies can also pose a challenge. Spare parts, nutrients, or growing materials may not always arrive on time, especially in remote areas. Since most systems use specific tools and inputs, any delay can pause operations.
Then there’s the market. Shoppers still compare indoor-grown crops to what they know. If taste, texture, or price don’t line up, some may hold back. That’s why many growers keep refining their process to meet both farm needs and consumer trust.
Where Has Indoor Crop Production Proven Itself?
Adoption of soilless farming differs across regions. Each country’s progress reflects its climate, resources, and local needs. In Europe, early investments and steady demand have helped controlled environment systems gain ground. These setups now form an important part of food supply chains, especially where space is tight or weather patterns are shifting.
In places like the UAE and Kuwait, harsh climates and limited water make traditional farming less reliable. Soilless systems offer a way around these barriers. Since they can use far less water, sometimes up to 99% less, they give these countries a path toward steady food production despite tough conditions.
Asia has also seen strong growth. China leads the global market, driven by the need to feed large urban populations with less land. Its push for efficient, tech-driven farming continues to shape the sector. India and Singapore are following close behind. Singapore, in particular, has shown how small spaces can still support large yields through smart design and careful planning.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, early models are showing promise. Nigeria’s Soilless Farm Lab uses hydroponics and AI to grow food in urban areas. Though still growing, these projects suggest that even regions with limited fertile land can benefit from new systems. Done well, this shift could support food security and open new paths for local economies.
Final Thoughts
So, can soilless agriculture feed the world? I don’t see it as an either-or situation. Both soilless and soil-based farming can work together, each complementing the other. Soilless farming isn’t meant to replace soil-based agriculture, but rather to enhance it in order to create a more efficient and sustainable food system. And yes, if done right, it has the potential to feed the world.
