Urban farming is the darling of every green TED Talk — grow food on rooftops, balconies, vertical walls, even inside your kitchen shelf! It promises efficient use of space, water, and inputs. And the cherry on top? You grow where you consume. What’s not to love?
The science is rock solid. Hydroponics, grow lights, microgreens, nutrient mixes — we have the tech. But try setting it up as a first-timer, and suddenly you’re on your own. No clear protocols. No service providers. No starter kits, no verified suppliers, and forget about any after-sales support. It’s like wanting to cook a gourmet meal and realizing no one sells spices, spoons or gas stoves. So despite the hype, the ecosystem is thin. A few DIY YouTube tutorials and imported kits can’t create a movement. Urban enthusiasts struggle alone, eventually drop out, and the revolution remains confined to Instagram reels and showroom demos.
The science is ready. But until someone builds the products, services, and support systems, urban farming will remain a balcony dream, not a rooftop movement.
