I don't understand why? Build above ground solar grids and LED lights to transfer the light underground... For what purpose? The light is on the surface...
There are serious advantages to indoor farming in addition to the ability to stack vertically. Pest control, cross pollination, water loss prevention, and runoff management are a few of the big ones. You can keep pests at a standstill without killing natural species of bees and butterflies. You can prevent runoff from contaminating water sources as well.
Yields are significantly higher when you use indoor farming as well. Energy efficiency is nearly the same thanks to the use of high intensity LEDs tuned to photosynthesis. Water usage is MUCH lower as well. Some aquaponic methods are remarkably water efficient allowing the growth of water intense plants like lettuce and cabbage.
However those advantages don't outpace the current economic reality of vast tracts of cheap agricultural land and a global economy with massive economies of scale. The only niche for it right now is valuable fruits and vegetables that don't transport well or grow poorly. Stuff like microgreens, Ginseng, and Saffron. (Also, of course, Marijuana)
Yields are significantly higher when you use indoor farming as well. Energy efficiency is nearly the same thanks to the use of high intensity LEDs tuned to photosynthesis. Water usage is MUCH lower as well. Some aquaponic methods are remarkably water efficient allowing the growth of water intense plants like lettuce and cabbage.
However those advantages don't outpace the current economic reality of vast tracts of cheap agricultural land and a global economy with massive economies of scale. The only niche for it right now is valuable fruits and vegetables that don't transport well or grow poorly. Stuff like microgreens, Ginseng, and Saffron. (Also, of course, Marijuana)