According to the British "Daily Mail" report, Japanese scientists are studying a new way of growing vegetables and producing vegetables in a controlled, 100% sterile environment. These vegetable plantations known as “plant factories†are springing up in Japan. They can produce perfect-looking lettuce and green leafy vegetables 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In plant factories, every aspect of the environment required for growing vegetables is controlled - from sunlight, temperature, humidity to water, and even carbon dioxide levels can be adjusted every minute. Traditional vegetable growers often leave the impression that the clothes are dirty and worn, and the nails are full of dirt. Unlike traditional vegetable growers, plant growers wear gloves and masks. With dustproof clothing. Prior to this, we often saw these "equipments" at chemical plants.
Plants grown in plant factories—including green leafy vegetables, lettuce, and garland chrysanthemum—are sold to Japanese consumers at high prices. It is reported that these vegetables do not use pesticides during the planting process, and therefore there is no risk of being contaminated by bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Due to growth under aseptic conditions, vegetable plants can be safely eaten without washing. It is worth mentioning that the lettuce here can be picked 20 times a year. Some large plant factories provide 3 million vegetables per year. An important effect that can be received by the promotion of plant factories is “hygieneâ€, that is, the safety of the real food that may be finally obtained.
It is reported that the promotion of plant factories has received strong support from the Japanese government. With regard to the use of chemical drugs in the cultivation of vegetables, the Japanese government has paid more and more attention. A spokesperson for the Ozu Corporation, a plant company in Tokyo, said: “The plant factory does not allow vegetables to be exposed to the outside air. By controlling the sunshine, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide and water, we can guarantee a steady supply of vegetables throughout the year. In addition, the vegetable plant's vegetables are also able to meet consumers' desire to eat safe food."
At present, plant factories have not yet appeared in the United Kingdom. The closest to Britain is the vast greenhouse in the southern region, where millions of tomatoes are planted by hydroponics rather than by soil.