Qatar-based startup VFarms has achieved a groundbreaking feat in sustainable agriculture by growing iceberg lettuce heads exceeding 600 grams—nearly four times the average weight typically produced in vertical farms around the world.
This success was realized under extreme climatic conditions, with outside temperatures soaring beyond 50°C and humidity levels pushing operational limits. “The goal wasn’t just to grow lettuce—anyone can do that,” said Kirill Igoshin, CEO of VFarms. “The goal was to grow lettuce that’s never been grown before.”
From Food Crisis to Agricultural Innovation
Launched in 2021, VFarms emerged as a direct response to Qatar’s food security challenges following the 2017 Gulf blockade. Determined to build local agricultural resilience, the company pioneered off-grid, climate-resilient vertical farming systems.
At the core of its approach are mobile container farms that rely on solar panels for energy and atmospheric water generators (AWGs) that harvest moisture directly from the air—eliminating dependence on external water sources. “We’re the first company globally to integrate all these elements into one system,” Igoshin noted.
Growing 600-Gram Iceberg and 1-Kilogram Romaine Lettuce
“Typical vertical farms grow lettuce to about 120 to 150 grams,” explained Ilia Sukhodolov, VFarms’ Director of Agronomy. “We were initially challenged to hit 350 grams—and we surpassed that, reaching 613 grams for iceberg and nearly 1 kilogram for romaine.”
This achievement was the result of extensive experimentation, including the deployment of custom airflow systems—top-down, angled, and side airflows—to optimize plant growth and prevent leaf burn. VFarms also introduced an unconventional light spectrum that emphasized green light, a wavelength often overlooked in traditional vertical farming.
They further refined plant development by establishing a precisely controlled microclimate around the root zone, and conducted trials with ten different lettuce varieties sourced from the Netherlands, China, Spain, and local breeders. Ultimately, three to four varieties stood out for their superior performance.
Harvesting Water from Air, Power from the Sun
VFarms’ entire cultivation process runs fully off-grid, with solar panels generating daytime power and AWGs pulling water from the air overnight. However, Qatar’s climate poses challenges: from December to February, humidity levels drop and temperatures become too low for effective water harvesting.
To address this, VFarms collects and stores water during the humid summer months, ensuring year-round operation. “Efficiency is everything,” said Igoshin. “We’re now testing next-generation water generators and battery systems to enhance performance and ensure long-term viability.”
Support from Government and Global Interest
The Qatari government has backed VFarms’ latest R&D initiatives, including comparative trials with fifth-generation greenhouses using NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) systems. “The Minister of Commerce invited us to Expo 2023,” Igoshin shared. “Now we’re receiving visits from top global companies.”
According to Sukhodolov, laboratory testing revealed that VFarms’ lettuce had 50% lower nitrate levels compared to conventional market produce, along with strong potassium and magnesium content. No pesticides or herbicides were detected in any samples.
Toward Commercialization
VFarms is now focusing on market readiness, conducting taste tests with retailers, hotels, and distributors. “We’re trying to understand which varieties, packaging formats, and volumes best suit the Qatari market,” Igoshin said.
They are also exploring whether consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally grown, pesticide-free hydroponic produce. “This insight will guide the design of a larger-scale operation tailored to Qatar’s food security, not just global markets like the Netherlands or Dubai.”
A Measured, Sustainable Approach
Unlike many vertical farming startups that have faltered due to inflated valuations and unsustainable business models, VFarms is proceeding with strategic caution.
“We’re not inflating our company’s value for show,” Igoshin emphasized. “We’re not selling hype—we’re building a real, revenue-generating business, step by step. It may be slower, but it’s the right way.”
Source: VFarms
