A road to nutritional security and greener food systems: The power of microgreens

Microgreens are nutrient dense young seedlings of vegetables and herbs, have attracted significant scientific and commercial attention. The global microgreens market, valued of $1.8 billion in 2022, is projected to expand at an 11% CAGR through 2030, with India’s market expected to reach Rs. 6,000 crores by 2033. Microgreens exhibit exceptional antioxidant capacity (up to 3,200 μmol TE/100g in red cabbage), rapid growth cycles (7–21 days) and profitability in urban vertical farming (30% profit margins). Encouraging farmers to cultivate microgreens using advanced techniques such as hydroponics, optimized lighting and controlled environments enhances yield and nutritional value while reducing resource use.