Passive income: NO

Vertical farming setup and smart agriculture technology integration can lead to passive income, but achieving true passive income solely from this side hustle is challenging for most individuals. While automation and smart technology can help streamline operations, consistent monitoring and maintenance are usually required, making it less hands-off than other passive income streams. Setting up a vertical farm can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the scale and technology involved. Time to profit can range from 6 months to 2 years, with most people needing to invest significant time and effort to reach profitability. While some individuals may achieve passive income in this field, it typically requires a high level of expertise, resources, and ongoing involvement.