Urban farming –Emerging trends and scope

Abstract

Urban farming refers to cultivation of plants and rearing of animals and fishes within and around intra-urban and peri-urban/sub-urban areas. According to UN DESA (2018), 55 % of 7.7 billion world population lives in the urban region and it will reach 68% by 2050.Urbanites completely depend on markets for food and their fast food habits and cozy life style affect their health and nutrition. Several urban kids suffer malnutrition though the purchasing power of their parents is high. Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety and stress are common in urban dwellers. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and fish purchased from market contain varying amount of pesticides, weedicides, preservatives and adulterants. Urbanites are aware of the harmful effects of these chemicals and prefer safe organic agricultural produces. Market available organic produces often contain heavy metals and micro organisms. Growing our own food with the local resources in our surroundings is the best method to fight this issue.