• Scarce flat arable land suitable for agriculture.
• Long cold winters and short growing seasons.
• Dependence on imported vegetables leads to higher costs and weakens food security.
• Limited exposure to modern, space-efficient farming techniques.

These challenges can be amplified by climate change and urban densification.

The Vertical Farming Initiative aims to:

• Design and test a low-cost vertical farming system suitable for Khorog’s conditions.
• Demonstrate year-round vegetable production in an indoor space,
• Build student capacity in urban agriculture, prototyping, and monitoring.
• Raise awareness of alternative food production methods among residents.

• Research on vertical farming models adapted to cold and high-altitude environments.
• Design and construction of a pilot vertical farming structure using locally available materials.
• Selection and planting suitable crops with short growth cycles.
• Monitoring of plant growth, water use, and maintenance requirements.

The pilot system was installed indoors to protect crops from extreme temperatures, allowing for controlled conditions and consistent production.

• The hydroponic vertical farming system was successfully procured and delivered, and the project is now technically ready for implementation with all core equipment in place.
• Multiple crop cultivation and soil testing trials were conducted across different locations in Khorog to assess soil quality and local growing conditions.
• Seedlings were successfully grown in soil and prepared for transfer, with early-stage plant development completed and crops now ready to be relocated into the hydroponic system.

• Logistics planning is critical for projects in remote locations and should be prioritised from the early design stage.
• Project timelines must align crop growth cycles with equipment procurement and delivery schedules to avoid implementation delays.
• Small-scale initiatives benefit from cost-effective equipment selection and careful budget allocation to minimise financial and operational risks.
• Limited availability of local expertise in agriculture and biological sciences highlighted the need to secure technical mentorship early in the project lifecycle.

Through the project, students gained practical experience in:

• Urban agriculture and food system innovation.
• Prototyping and testing under real-world constraints.
• Data collection and observation,
• Team coordination and project documentation.