Urban areas are often imagined as only ‘concrete jungles’ dependent on rural hinterland for its survival. However, a closer look will tell us a different story.
Urban farming in India has emerged, and grown significantly over the past years, as a transformative practice, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and offering a livelihood for many. As cities expand and green spaces diminish, the adoption of urban farming becomes increasingly crucial, providing a range of benefits that extend beyond mere cultivation.
Urban farming in Delhi is thriving as residents transform rooftops, balconies, and communal spaces into vibrant green patches. This sustainable practice addresses food security, promotes local produce, and enhances greenery in the bustling city. Community gardens and rooftop farms are redefining Delhi’s landscape, cultivating a healthier and more sustainable urban lifestyle.
Urban farming not only addresses the need for fresh, locally sourced produce but also promotes sustainable living practices. The practice integrates various techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming, optimizing space and resources in urban environments.
Crops like Paddy, Jowar (Sorghum) and Bajra (Pearl Millet) during Kharif (autumn) and Wheat and Mustard crops during the Rabi (spring) seasons are the major crops in Delhi. The cultivation of vegetables is a continuous process throughout the year.
According to the Delhi Economic Survey 2021-22 tabled in the Delhi Assembly in March 2022, the gross cropped area in Delhi increased to 47,850 hectare in 2021-22 from 43,569 hectare in 2020-21. As per the Economic Survey of Delhi (2018-19), only 0.71% of the workers of Delhi are employed as agricultural workers. However, as per the past census’ of India, 1% of all main workers (who perform a particular economic activity for more than 6 months) and 3% of all marginal workers (those who work on a particular economic activity for less than 6 months) are working as either cultivators, farm labourers, on plantations,
livestock, forestry, fishing, hunting, and allied activities.
However, the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD) – 2041 has a different vision. While the draft Master Plan presents a vision to “Foster a Sustainable, Liveable and Vibrant” Delhi by 2041, it plans to achieve it through increased privatisation, concretisation, further densification, attracting investments etc., making no effort to reach out to stakeholders like agricultural workers, farmers, residents of “unauthorised” colonies and feeding their inputs to MPD.
It was revealed that Delhi has a demand for 9 million tons of food of which only 10%, particularly 15% of vegetables, 60% of meat and 25% of milk, is produced locally by urban and peri-urban farming and related activities and more than 80% of Delhi’s food supply comes from neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana and U.P.
The prospects for urban farming in India are promising, offering a range of advantages for both individuals and communities. Firstly, it provides a sustainable source of fresh, organic produce, reducing dependency on mass-produced, often chemically treated, vegetables and fruits. This not only contributes to healthier diets but also mitigates the environmental impact of conventional agriculture.
Secondly, urban farming has the potential to generate economic opportunities, especially in densely populated urban areas. Micro-entrepreneurs can establish small-scale farming ventures, creating local employment and fostering community engagement. Farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture models are gaining traction, connecting producers directly with consumers.
Thirdly, urban farming contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances. Localized production minimizes the need for extensive transportation networks, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more eco-friendly food system.
