Masdar City launches smart VF with Alesca in food security push

Added on 13 February 2024

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Masdar City launches smart VF with Alesca in food security push

Alesca's shipping container farm in The Sustainable City. Credit: Antonie Robertson / The National

Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s sustainability and innovation hub, has launched its indoor vertical farm with agricultural technology (AgriTech) firm Alesca Technologies, to help address food security challenges.

The project uses automated equipment and AI software to grow several varieties of fresh leafy greens, lettuce and herbs that are free of harmful chemicals and ready to eat.

The vertical farm will be housed in two repurposed shipping containers near Masdar City’s Eco-Plaza, the first of which is already up and running, with plans to expand the second in the coming year.

Once fully operational, the containers will generate upwards of 650 kilograms of leafy greens per month all year round.

Masdar City said the vertical farm, which uses 90-95 per cent less water than conventional farms, will be used to educate visitors about vertical farming as a solution to food security challenges.

The farm’s highly controlled and automated monitoring process helps maximise food production and minimise food waste.