A new vertical organic vegetable production base has begun operations in Jinshan district, marking a significant step in Shanghai's drive toward sustainable urban agriculture.

Operated by Shanghai Nongben'an Technology, the farm covers 1,400 square meters and is equipped with 70 rotating shelves, each with 12 levels. Every level has two planting areas, with each section able to rotate for optimal sunlight.

The project was founded by Liu Chao, who was inspired by his daughter's allergy to pesticide residues. Determined to provide safe, healthy food, Liu combined organic farming and artificial intelligence to create a new model of smart agriculture.

The farm also incorporates aquaculture on its lowest level, recycling excess irrigation water and establishing an eco-friendly aquaponic cycle where vegetables and fish grow together.

With intelligent systems for automatic light adjustment and sprinkler irrigation, the entire farm requires only three people to operate, Liu said.

Since its trial run in February, the farm has completed two harvests, achieving yields more than 10 times those of traditional farms per unit area.

Its innovative solar-light utilization system has cut electricity consumption by 91 percent compared with conventional vertical farming methods, while achieving zero discharge of wastewater, waste gas and solid waste.

Source: Jinshan district radio and television station