Skip to Main Content

Visionaries: Controlled environments extend possibilities

When we spoke with Krishna Nemali, assistant professor of controlled environment agriculture, his vision and drive for the agriculture industry was clear. Nemali and his group of student researchers are paving the way for the future of controlled environment agriculture.

Controlled environment agriculture blends engineering and computer-managed greenhouses to optimize and enhance crop production. Practices include vertical farming, hydroponics, and different LED lighting operations. These farming processes are ways that allow the “average” person to find ways they can become involved in food production.

Nemali’s work with Purdue Extension is helped him teach companies, schools, and individuals how they can implement these practices into their everyday lives. Currently, Nemali and his team work alongside companies throughout Indiana to help transform and utilize the space they have to practice controlled environmental agriculture.

One example of Nemali’s work with a local business is a florist. The florist began growing its products by following Nemali’s recommendations. Those practices enable them to grow their crops more efficiently.

Nemali also spoke about how his extension work helps individuals start their own businesses. One individual consulted Nemali to help transform his garage into a controlled environment for growing produce. Even when given everyday space, Nemali can help transform areas by using vertical farming, LED lighting, and sometimes, the use of hydroponics.

Nemali’s engagement also crosses over into his student research team. One student is developing an app to help farmers, producers, and companies for their growing businesses.
Meet the Filmmaker/Blogger
Carley Myers Carley Myers
About Visionaries

This blog and video are part of the Visionaries series, which highlights the work and lives of researchers in the Purdue University College of Agriculture. The content for this series is created by the students of ASEC 280 (Digital Storytelling).

Explore other videos and blogs created by our student-filmmakers

Videos are also available on the Purdue Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication YouTube channel

Featured Stories

Ag Barometer
Producer sentiment slips due to rising policy uncertainty

Farmer sentiment declined in March as concerns over agricultural trade and farm policy weighed on...

Read More
Michelle Lihon
Michelle Lihon - Graduate Ag Research Spotlight

Michelle Lihon is a third-generation scientist. Her father works in biotechnology, and her...

Read More
a person in a green shirt smiling
Faculty Spotlight: Olayiwola Adeola

Professor Olayiwola Adeola reflects on 33 years of research, teaching, and mentoring in animal...

Read More
Corn field at Agronomy Center for Research and Education (ACRE).
Caffery named new pesticide administrator for the Office of Indiana State Chemist

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Office of Indiana State Chemist has appointed Sarah Caffery as...

Read More
Purdue College of Agriculture professors Stephen Cameron and  Bryan Pijanowski
Agriculture professors elected to rank of AAAS Fellow

Purdue College of Agriculture professors Stephen Cameron and Bryan Pijanowski have been elected...

Read More
Two women examining plant seedlings inside an growth chamber
Discovery reveals how a specialized structure in plant cells helps regulate photosynthesis

Purdue University scientists have discovered a key mechanism that regulates how plants develop...

Read More
To Top