[2026] PTE Academic Writing - Summarize written text

Traditional agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges due to rapid population growth, unpredictable climate patterns, and a shrinking availability of arable land. To address these pressing issues, scientists and agricultural engineers have developed vertical farming, an innovative method of cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers. This technique typically employs controlled-environment agriculture, which optimizes plant growth by utilizing soilless farming techniques such as hydroponics or aeroponics. By shifting food production into indoor facilities, vertical farming significantly mitigates the risks associated with extreme weather conditions and pest infestations.

Despite its potential, vertical farming presents both remarkable advantages and substantial challenges. On the positive side, these systems use up to ninety percent less water than conventional farming and allow for year-round crop production regardless of external seasonal changes. Furthermore, locating these facilities within urban centers drastically reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions associated with food distribution. However, the widespread adoption of vertical agriculture is currently hindered by exorbitant initial setup costs and a heavy reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems. Consequently, while it offers a promising supplement to traditional farming, considerable advancements in energy efficiency are required before it can become the primary source of global food production.