Taiwan Is Converting Vacant Subway Station Spaces Into Organic Farms

Commuters’ daily humdrum just got more refreshing in the capital city of Taipei, Taiwan—in the same way fresh tomatoes burst with tang and lettuce gives a satisfying crunch.

Taipei’s rapid transit authority has converted unused space in an underground train station into a vertical farm to bring fresh and sustainable produce to city-dwellers. The facility, called ‘Metro Fresh’, is pesticide-free, relying on high-tech hydroponics to consistently cultivate greens in spite of unpredictable climate conditions. 

Taiwan is densely-populated, and vertical farming has been helpful in maximizing its use of space. Plants in environments such as that of Metro Fresh grow without soil, and instead thrive in fertilizer solutions that have been dissolved in water.

LED lighting, combined with sterilization and other technology, enables agriculturists to control the temperature, nutrients, and humidity within the space so crops will always be in optimal conditions for harvest.

For now, the 430-square-foot Metro Fresh specializes in growing lettuce, but it also has the opportunity to plant tomatoes, grapes, cucumbers, peas, strawberries, potatoes, carrots, and spinach—all of which grow vertically.

Its produce is served at nearby stalls in the form of salads, sandwiches, and other bites.

As per Euronews, vertical farms aren’t just space-saving, but they can also bring forth a resurgence for the agricultural sector. Back-breaking farming jobs aren’t so much for educated youths, but hydroponics—which are less labor-intensive and much sexier—will be much more attractive for those getting into tech jobs.

The indoor farm is also educational for children, and it’s teaching school kids about sustainable solutions with fun augmented-reality showcases.

At this subway station, a head of lettuce can indeed take you far.

[via Euronews and Interesting Engineering, images via Taipei Mass Rapid Transit / Taipei City Government]