A company in India is hoping to change the way farmers in the country grow crops with what it calls an "innovative R&D strategy."
Crystal Crop Protection is developing "vertical farming," in which crops are grown in layers on top of each other, in an effort to reduce water use and boost crop yields, reports the Hindustan Times.
"It is an innovative R&D strategy that is constantly growing in prominence," says Sunil Kurchania, a senior VP at the company.
"It ensures high productivity and sustainability across a diverse range of geographical locations without compromising on the health of the ecosystem," adds Kurchania, who says the company is working with more than 40 scientists to develop solutions "that are not only effective in delivering high-yielding products but also affordable to smallholder farmers, ultimately enhancing their income and improving farming practices."
Another advantage of vertical farming is that it allows for year-round cultivation regardless of weather conditions, which is especially helpful in urban areas, reports the Times of India.
The company's seeds, which it says can yield high-yielding crops of high nutritive value, are made from "cutting-edge genetics" and come with "wide range of crop protection chemicals," says Kurchania.
They can also be used to fight off pests
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