WheatRise
Team information
Category:
Tasya Ariesta Primastuty
Master
Wageningen University
Aliya Nadira Irsyad
Master
Wageningen University & Research
Galuh Samia Zahra
Master
Wageningen University and Research
Rinky Ghosh
PHD
The Ohio State University
Muhammad Azwar
Master
Wageningen University and Research
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About the team
Our diverse team of four brings together unique expertise: Aliya (Plant Sciences) excels in plant physiology and horticulture; Galuh (Food Technology) specializes in product design and ingredient functionality; Tasya (Food Safety and Law) offers a social science perspective; and Rinky (Sustainable Packaging, PhD) focuses on waste reduction and post-harvest systems. Together, we connect cultivation, production, safety, and sustainability for innovative food solutions.
Our vision
Indonesia’s wheat import reached 11.5 million metric tons (MMT) in 2023-2024, which is an increase of 21.7% from the previous year (9.4 MMT). The consumption is estimated to keep increasing. Indonesia does not grow wheat locally because the tropical climate conditions are not suitable for wheat cultivation. Wheat does not grow well if temperatures exceed 35ºC. Indonesia relies entirely on imports from Australia, Canada, and Brazil. Relying solely on wheat imports could pose a threat to Indonesia's food security. An innovative approach is necessary to reduce Indonesia's reliance on wheat imports and enhance food security in the long term.
Our solution
We came up with the idea of utilizing vertical farming to grow wheat in Indonesia. Vertical farming allows for controlled environments that can mimic the ideal conditions for wheat cultivation, regardless of the external climate. On top of that, the outlook for the Indonesian wheat market is highly favorable. The demand for wheat-based flour in Indonesia is increasing due to the growing popularity of foods like noodles and bakery products. These food factories usually get their wheat flour supply from milling companies. Currently, the Indonesian flour mill industry consists of 30 flour mills with a capacity of 14.4 MMT. The actual production is lower than the installed capacity; wheat flour production was 6.661 MMT in 2022. Eventually, utilizing vertical farming for wheat production in Indonesia will further improve production efficiency. As a result, a stable supply chain could lead to lower prices for consumers. Furthermore, investing in vertical farming technology could generate new employment opportunities and stimulate the local economy.