The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) joined hands with Unicuisine Global Foods Corporation to set up the “Metro Fresh” showcase area at MRT Nanjing Fuxing Station.
Opening to the public on September 30, the space highlights the use of technology in breaking the limits of weather and geographical conditions to create an ideal environment for raising vegetables. The exhibition area demonstrates how pesticide-free edible plants can be grown inside an MRT station, and how a plot measuring roughly 10-pings can yield roughly 1,500 kg of agricultural produce each year.
The Smart Agriculture Demonstration Zone is located at the B1 connecting corridor of MRT Nanjing Fuxing Station, which links the Songshan-Xindian Line with the Wenhu Line and is situated right beneath Exit 5.
The facility resembles tech company cleanrooms, populated by rows of plants growing in tubs in the hydroponic system. Thanks to the support of communication and automated technology systems, growers carry out real-time monitoring of the environment.
The LED light source and industry-level incubating environment are just some of the many tools which ensure the growth of healthy and pollution-free crops in a place where temperature, humidity, and various factors are kept under control.
Those interested in the pesticide-free produce can also visit the dedicated stalls on the third floor of the station building, where they can purchase goods ranging from delicious and fresh vegetables to prepared salads using these produces.
Following the success of the Metro Corner Mini-shops and Metro Shop MRT Product Shop, TRTC established the Metro Fresh showcase area as a part of the company's attempt to diversify its offerings, which hopefully meet the needs of working commuters accessing the station.