A Ukrainian farmer named Viktor Shuleshko has rebuilt his vertical farm business after it was destroyed by Russian troops shelling the Dnipro airport. Despite the damage, he did not give up on his dream of growing plants using vertical farming technology. Now, he has set up a new farm in the basement of a building, where he can grow plants in optimal conditions and protect them from missiles.
The Farmer’s Background
Before the full-scale war, Shuleshko made lighting for agricultural complexes. However, he decided to build a laboratory to demonstrate the effectiveness of his lighting products and started growing plants using a vertical farm. Unfortunately, his business was destroyed by shelling from Russian troops, which resulted in damages worth about $60,000.
New Farm Set-Up
Shuleshko didn’t let the war and the destruction of his farm stop him. He found a new location in the basement of a building where the microclimate was ideal for growing plants, which made this place an ideal location for his vertical farm. He uses 100 watts of power per square meter, and 40% of it is light, while 60% is heat. The heating in the room is made by the lamp.
According to Shuleshko, the new farm has 13 racks where he grows several varieties of basil and lettuce. The basis of the technology he uses is mineral wool, which serves to hold the plant and develop the root system. He uses only organic fertilizers, and there are no chemical compounds or pesticides. There are no pests or pathogenic zones because the microclimate is controlled by a computer.
Plans for the Future
Shuleshko’s new farm cost about $80,000, and he believes it will take a few years to recoup the funds. However, he plans to expand his production by adding shelving and increasing the range of products he grows. He hopes to inspire other farmers to try vertical farming technology and adopt environmentally friendly practices.
