Urban Agriculture And Its Many Benefits

India in the 21st Century has been a witness to rapid urbanization across the Indian Subcontinent. On one hand, rapid urbanization has ushered in an era of technological and infrastructural developments. But on the flip side, it has brought some hindrances to the annual agricultural production of the country. And with the rising population, this decline in agricultural production needs to be urgently addressed to avoid food shortages in the country. Many have resorted to urban agriculture and home gardening as contingency measures. Though these measures are relatively new, with proper encouragement, urban agriculture can be a step towards the next green revolution.

What is urban agriculture?

The term ‘urban agriculture’ is generally used to refer to the agricultural practices that are undertaken in, and around urban areas, and aim at cultivating, harvesting and distributing crops, vegetables, and other food items.

Though it can be easily mistaken for community gardening, they can be quite different. It involves growing food in heavily populated areas with a commercial motive in mind. On the other hand, community gardening is practiced with the intention of personal consumption. At present, most metropolitan cities in India encourage urban agriculture as a non-profit initiative.

Benefits of urban agriculture

Urban agriculture has been growing popular over the past few years. Especially during the coronavirus lockdown, many took up urban agriculture. Most people with an enthusiasm for agriculture have considered it as an opportunity to pursue their passion while staying in an urban area. It is economically feasible and relevant for those who are unable to purchase a piece of land in the countryside for farming. 

Furthermore, the yields from This practice can be sold to local restaurants and in farmer’s markets. It is also a step towards sustainable living and encourages the use of organic ingredients. Is has added more value to urban communities and comes with quite a few benefits over conventional farming. Listed below are some of the main benefits of urban agriculture:

• Fresher produce:

Urban agriculture has an obvious edge over conventional farming because it provides fresher, healthier produce. Conventional farming is practiced with a commercial motive, so while it can yield larger amounts of crops, they are not quite as fresh or healthy as it is. This practice does not need its produce to be transported, which can take days. Instead, they are sold in local markets, so they are consumed while they have been freshly harvested. Commercial farming often requires the crops to be harvested before they have ripened, or they are artificially ripened using chemicals that can sometimes be harmful to human consumption. 

Urban agriculture, on the other hand, is not concerned with mass production or is not done with a profit motive. So, the produce is harvested when it has naturally ripened without the need for a chemical catalyst. Hence, they are perfect for consumption and are more nutritious.

• Food security:

Urban agriculture can improve food security in densely populated areas. Urban areas often face the risk of food shortages due to the lack of fresh produce at an affordable price. With This practice, the food produced is offered for sale locally and ensures that there is a continuous supply of fresh produce.

• Community engagement:

Urban agriculture offers a great means of improving community engagement. It encourages the residents of a community to come together for a farmer’s market, which improves communication. It also boosts social engagement and develops in the people a sense of belongingness. As it can be conveniently integrated with local restaurants, it helps in economic growth and leads to job creation within a locality.

• Sustainable living:

One of the primary goals that urban agriculture strives to achieve is sustainable living. With this practice, the wastage of food is reduced and there is also greater water conservation. Furthermore, It can lead to more efficient use of land and unused housing spaces. Vertical and rooftop gardens, and hydroponic agriculture help in judiciously using space, so that you can use any extra space at home to grow food. It also causes urban regeneration and creates more green space.

Dhenuka Aggrotech Limited – supporting urban agriculture

Urban agriculture requires low investments and can be taken up by anyone. But as profitable and environment-friendly It is, it requires continuous support and dedication. It requires a steady irrigation system, fertilizers, plant growth regulators, as well as pesticides and insecticides to ward off harmful pests. If you are planning to take up urban agriculture, feel free to visit Dhenuka Aggrotech Limited for the top ten insecticides and the best crop solutions at affordable prices.

Founded in 1980, Dhenuka Agritech Limited has remained one of the most trusted agree-input companies in India. With over 6,500 distributors and over 75,000 dealers across the Indian subcontinent, Dhenuka Agritech Limited has made itself available to dedicated farmers and agriculture enthusiasts alike. The agree-input products from Dhenuka Agritech Limited have been accredited by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and can be afforded at extremely affordable prices.

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