長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題57

Urban vertical farming represents a revolutionary approach to agriculture that addresses the growing challenges of food security in densely populated cities. Unlike traditional farming methods that require vast horizontal land areas, vertical farms utilize multi-story buildings to grow crops in controlled indoor environments. These facilities employ advanced technologies such as LED lighting systems, hydroponic cultivation, and climate control to optimize plant growth year-round.
The benefits of vertical farming extend beyond space efficiency. Studies show that vertical farms can produce up to 365 times more food per square meter compared to conventional agriculture while using 95% less water. Additionally, crops grown in these controlled environments are free from pesticides and weather-related risks, ensuring consistent quality and yield. Major cities like Singapore and Tokyo have already invested heavily in vertical farming infrastructure to reduce their dependence on food imports.
However, vertical farming faces significant economic challenges. The initial construction costs and ongoing energy consumption for artificial lighting remain substantial barriers to widespread adoption. Critics argue that the high operational expenses make vertically grown produce significantly more expensive than traditionally farmed crops. Despite these concerns, technological advances and increasing urbanization suggest that vertical farming will play a crucial role in feeding the world's growing urban population in the coming decades.