The Implication of Vertical Vegetables Farming in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

The issue of food security in Brunei justifies the need to increase local agricultural production effectively, given the constraints of limited farming land and high soil acidity affecting crop production. Additionally, climate change has impacted traditional farming methods. Vertical Farming (VF) is crucial in modern agricultural practices today, with the potential to produce crops yearround using less land. This research aims to: a) determine the socio-viability of vegetable VF in Brunei, b) investigate the challenges and solutions for vegetable VF in Brunei Darussalam, and c) determine the economic potential of vegetable VF in Brunei Darussalam. A qualitative method approach was used, including in-depth interviews and content analysis. The scope of research included 12 modern farmers in Brunei, 1 officer in the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, 1 academic, and 1 service provider. Additionally, the author designed prototypes of VF systems, VF1 and VF2, limited to household contexts in Brunei Darussalam. An experimental approach was conducted for both VF1 and VF2 using lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) for one cycle (6 weeks), with data analysis including cost-benefit and breakeven analyses. The findings revealed significant challenges in adopting modern farming techniques like VF, hydroponics, and aquaponics, primarily due to high setup costs and initial investments. Other challenges include unpredictable weather, market dynamics, crop selection, nutrient distribution, pest and disease management, and light optimisation. Despite these challenges, modern farming methods appeal to youth due to technological advancements, though high costs remain a barrier. VF systems yield high-quality produce year-round, use resources efficiently, and reduce costs. They conserve water, minimise fertiliser use, and lower carbon emissions. VF also enhances local economic growth by creating jobs and supporting food security and sustainability. Despite high initial costs, VF offers substantial longterm advantages, with both VF1 and VF2 presenting higher total benefits compared to costs after six cycles. Regulators, commercial companies, and institutional bodies in the agriculture sector may implement the findings to improve Brunei's agricultural industry using modern farming techniques like VF.