Chengdu is pioneering a new era of agricultural technology with fully automated vertical farming systems that achieve unprecedented production efficiency. The Sichuan provincial capital now hosts an advanced plant factory that generates 50 metric tons of lettuce annually within a compact 100-square-meter facility.
This cutting-edge agricultural installation stands 8.8 meters tall with 20 separate growing tiers, creating a controlled environment where every aspect of plant development is meticulously managed. According to Shi Xianglian, a representative from Sichuan Zhongnong Yixiang Agricultural Technology Company (a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences’ Institute of Urban Agriculture), the system employs robotic automation throughout the entire production cycle.
“Our vertical farming technology enables complete regulation of lighting conditions, temperature parameters, hydration levels, nutrient delivery, and atmospheric composition,” Shi explained. “The process is entirely automated—from initial seeding and transplantation phases through to final harvesting and packaging operations—all performed without human intervention.”
This technological breakthrough represents a significant advancement in urban agriculture, demonstrating how high-density food production can be achieved in limited spaces. The Chengdu facility serves as a model for sustainable farming practices that could potentially address food security challenges in increasingly urbanized environments. The integration of robotics and environmental control systems sets a new standard for agricultural productivity while reducing traditional farming’s land and resource requirements.