Urban Farming in India: Types, Process and Benefits

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By Priya SinghUpdated On: 09-Oct-2023 01:26 PM

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ByPriya Singh |Updated On: 09-Oct-2023 01:26 PM

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Urban farming is booming day by day in India. In this article, we will discuss the types, benefits, and processes of Urban Farming.

Urban Farming plays an important role in providing food security in India's cities. It minimizes dependency on long-distance transportation by bringing agriculture closer to customers, reducing carbon emissions and boosting environmental sustainability. Furthermore, urban agriculture provides economic benefits by producing jobs and sustaining local economies.

Urban farming contributes to the large-scale production of food. Furthermore, with new cultivation methods in and near metropolitan areas, people are reconnecting with agribusiness by growing their own food and visiting farms. This swiftly establishes and possibly sustains networks, as well as opens financial doors. As a result, urban farming is booming day by day in India, especially in cities.

Today, urban agribusiness may be found in a variety of patterns, such as local areas and gardens, roof and gallery cultivation, filling in empty parcels, and halting deterioration. In this article, we will discuss the types, benefits, and processes of Urban Farming.

What do you understand by the term Urban Farming?

Urban farming helps the economy, individuals, and communities in various ways. Urban farming, also known as Urban gardening, provides you with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other items that encourage a healthy lifestyle. It also contributes to income generation and small business growth. The fundamental benefit of urban agriculture is that it gives you fresh vegetables and crops at an affordable price. As a result, it is becoming more popular and a necessary part of our society and lifestyle.

From manufacturing to distribution, it helps society. The advantages may depend on the sort of urban agriculture. It might be institutional, personal consumption, educational, non-profit, and for-profit components. Urban farmers, on the other hand, can easily offer fresh vegetables to nearby stores and restaurants. However, on the other hand, pollution and space are significant challenges for urban agriculture.

Also Read: How to Invest in Agriculture: A Comprehensive Guide

Types of Urban Farming

Forest Gardening

Forest gardening is the practice of cultivating gardens in urban forests. It also promotes afforestation, which is vital in combating rising global temperatures in metropolitan areas. Different types of crops are grown in this type. Vegetables and fruits are grown in metropolitan areas. A favourable environment for crop cultivation can be found in the forest.

Rooftop Gardens

It is a garden on a rooftop. Rooftop gardens provide temperature regulation, architectural enhancement, animal corridors, habitats, and recreational options. It also looks pleasant and beautiful. It has recently become a popular way of urban farming.

Backyard Gardens

Backyard farming is a new type of farming practice. Backyard Garden farming is a sort of urban farming that is done on the property of one's home to produce crops. If there is an excess of food in the harvest, it is shared among neighbours, friends, and family. Furthermore, it can be kept and stored.

Vertical Farms

The method of growing crops vertically stacked is known as vertical farming. The goal of vertical farming is to maximize crop growth.

Street Gardening

Street landscaping both feeds the people and beautifies the environment. In this, type of farming, grass, landscaping, street trees, plants, and other products are grown on the society's or community's private streets.

Green Walls

Green walls are vertically constructed structures on the wall that are covered by fruits and vegetables. Vertically applied growing mediums such as hydroculture, soil, and substitute substrate are included. This sort of urban farming is also known for being done in a small space, with soil taken off the wall.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is the management, cultivation, and production of domestic animals. It also includes breeding animals to increase their traits. Animals are raised for meat, milk, fibre, eggs, and other products. As a result, the most common animals that can be raised include rabbits, goats, sheep, poultry, and others.

Hydroponics

It is a food production system. Fish are raised in water tanks in aquaponics. Plants grow in these tanks as well, and the excrement from the fish serves as manure for the plants. Plants keep the water clean. As a result, it is an efficient method of obtaining protein and reaping crops.

Urban Beekeeping

The practice of keeping bee colonies in urban locations is known as urban beekeeping. Backyard beekeeping is another term for hobby beekeeping. Additionally, city bees are thought to be healthier and more profitable.

Greenhouse

It is a greenhouse way of growing crops and vegetables. Greenhouse farming assists farmers in increasing productivity and performance while improving quality. Greenhouse farming is the process of growing crops in commercial, residential, and communal urban areas. As a result, greenhouse farming is an excellent business opportunity for urban farmers.

Benefits of Urban Farming

Urban farming allows fresh fruits and vegetables to be grown in regions where traditional agriculture is limited. Urban farmers can enhance crop production and optimize land use by adopting new techniques such as vertical farming and hydroponics.

The next benefit of urban farming is having access to fresh, pesticide-free products, which ensures higher nutritional content while lowering health risks connected with chemical residues.

Composting, rainwater collecting, and trash reduction are examples of sustainable activities promoted by urban farming, which contribute to a greener and more resilient urban ecology.

By localizing products, urban farms reduce the massive quantity of fossil fuels required to transport, package, and sell food. Furthermore, urban farming allows consumers to lessen their "footprint" by purchasing food grown in their community.

Urban farming promotes a sense of community and unity in society. Urban agriculture allows people to connect with nature, learn about agriculture, and acquire deeper knowledge about the food they eat.

Individuals can start small-scale companies by planting and selling their food locally, adding to their financial stability and lowering unemployment rates.

Major Crops for Urban Farming

• Avocados
• Strawberries
• Cucumbers and carrots
• Green beans
• Garlic
• Jalapeno peppers and peas
• Radishes and many more

Steps to Start Urban Farming

• Understanding the Concept of Urban Farming
• Conduct market research
• Choose Appropriate Crops and Livestock
• Find suitable land for urban farming and cultivation.
• Create a budget for your urban farming venture.
• Acquire all the required Resources
• Now, apply the urban farming techniques

To reduce environmental effects, urban farming should prioritize sustainable practices. Organic fertilizers, effective water management techniques, and integrated pest management strategies are all critical steps toward sustainable urban farming.

Furthermore, experimenting with new methods such as hydroponics or aquaponics can increase productivity while conserving resources. Collaboration with local agricultural institutions, government agencies, or non-profit groups can provide significant guidance and assistance in Urban farming.

Also Read: Modernising Agriculture in India: Top 4 Methods

Conclusion

Urban farming is also known as urban agriculture. India has huge potential for urban farming. As the country continues to urbanize, the need for locally produced, sustainable food will only rise.

We can reconnect with nature through urban gardening, encourage sustainable living, and develop a sense of community. Furthermore, it includes a variety of modern ways of food production in urban locations. Urban inhabitants can actively participate in sustainable agriculture by engaging in urban farming activities such as rooftop farming, vertical farming, communal gardening, indoor farming, and many more.