Farms Appear in Cities

When you hear the word “farm”, you may imagine the countryside with cows and crops. But scientists say the farm of the future could be built in tall buildings in some large cities.

It may be difficult to believe, but in fact, the technology for growing crops indoors already exists. Farming in the city is already happening. Some vegetables are already grown in greenhouse. Even the scientists at the South Pole research station can enjoy fresh vegetables they grow in their own greenhouse.

Experts say indoor farming solves many problems. First, traditional farming takes up a lot of land. Growing crops in tall buildings—called vertical farming(垂直农业)—can solve the problem. Also, fruits and vegetables grown indoors would not face serious threats from insects and bad weather.

Though vertical farms don’t exist yet, experts have created a plan for recycling in such farms. The water from indoor fish ponds would be used to water chicken or pigs would be reused as a source of energy.

But experts believe vertical farming is not going to be easy. They say it can be difficult to control climate conditions indoors. Besides, plants differ in their weather and lighting needs. For example, some plants like warm, sunny weather, but other plants prefer cooler temperature.

That’s not to say these difficulties won’t be overcome—but it will take time. Most experts suggest it may take about 5 to 15 years before the first vertical farms could be created.

1. The word “farm” may make you think of the countryside.

A. True B. False C. Not Given

2. It is still a dream for people to grow crops indoors.

A. True B. False C. Not Given

3. Scientists at the South Pole research station live a hard life.

A. True B. False C. Not Given

4. Vertical farming does not need as much land as traditional farming.

A. True B. False C. Not Given

5. Fresh fruits and vegetables are very expensive in cities.

A. True B. False C. Not Given

6. Crops grown indoors would not be badly harmed by insects.

A. True B. False C. Not Given

7. Scientists do not know how to reuse the animal waste in vertical farms.

A. True B. False C. Not Given

8. Some experts say vertical farming could be difficult.

A. True B. False C. Not Given

9. Indoor plants need the same weather and lighting.

A. True B. False C. Not Given

10. The first vertical farms appeared 5 years ago.

A. True B. False C. Not Given