A

PROJECT REPORTON

“URBAN FARMING”

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

BY:120450106008 RUSHI PATEL

120450106042 DHWANI PRAJAPATI

120450106057 NAMRATA VASHI

130453106015 SMIT GOHIL

GUIDED BY:

Mrs. Payal Shah

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Shri S’ad Vidya Mandal Institute of Technology,

Bharuch

Gujarat Technological UniversityAhmedabad, May 2016

Shri sa’d Vidya Mandal Institute of Technology, Bharuch

DeclarationWe hereby declare the project report for the project entitled “URBAN

FARMING” submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of

Bachelor of Engineering in Civil engineering 8th semester of Gujarat

Technological University, Ahmedabad, is a bonafide record of the

project work carried out at Shri sa’d Vidya Mandal Institute of

Technology, Bharuch under the guidance of Prof. Payal Shah and that

no part of any of these has been directly copied from any students

reports or taken from any other source, without providing due reference.

Name of the student Sign of Students

1. RUSHI PATEL

2. DHWANI PRAJAPATI

ii

3. NAMRATA VASHI

4. SMIT GOHIL

ABSTRACT

Urban agriculture is the practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around a

village, town, or city. It can also involve animal husbandry, aquaculture, agro forestry, and

horticulture. These activities also occur in peri-urban areas as well.

In India we have practiced implementing urban farming projects cities of Delhi, Hyderabad and

Mumbai. My paper aims at making a study on these projects and outcomes of their

implementation.

The population living in cities is continuously increasing worldwide. In developing countries,

this phenomenon is exacerbated by poverty, leading to tremendous problems of employment,

immigration from the rural areas, transportation, and food supply and environment protection.

Simultaneously with the growth of cities, a new type of agriculture has emerged; namely, urban

agriculture. Here, the main functions of urban agriculture are described: its social roles, the

economic functions as part of its multi-functionality, the constraints, and the risks for human

consumption and the living environment. We highlight the following major points. (1)

Agricultural activity will continue to be a strong contributor to urban households. Currently,

differences between rural and urban livelihood households appear to be decreasing. (2) Urban

agricultural production includes aquaculture, livestock and plants. The commonest crops are

perishable leafy vegetables, particularly in South-east Asia and Africa. These vegetable

industries have short marketing chains with lower price differentials between farmers and

consumers than longer chains. The city food supply function is one of the various roles and

objectives of urban agriculture that leads to increasing dialogue between urban dwellers, city

authorities and farmers. (3) One of the farmers’ issues is to produce high quality products in

highly populated areas and within a polluted environment. Agricultural production in cities faces

the following challenges: access to the main agricultural inputs, fertilizers and water; production

in a polluted environment; and limitation of its negative impact on the environment. Urban

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agriculture can reuse city wastes, but this will not be enough to achieve high yields, and there is

still a risk of producing unsafe products. These are the main challenges for urban agriculture in

keeping its multi-functional activities such as cleansing, opening up the urban space, and

producing fresh and nutritious food.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We take this opportunity as a privilege to thank all individuals without whose

support and guidance we could not have partially completed our project in this

period of time. First and foremost we would like to express our deepest gratitude to

our Project Guide Mrs. Payal Shah, M.E. (Water Resources Management),

Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering Department, Shri S’ad Vidya Mandal

Institute of Technology, Bharuch, for her invaluable support, motivation and

encouragement throughout the period, this work was carried out. Her readiness for

consultation at all times, her educative comments and inputs, her concern and

assistance even with practical things have been extremely helpful.

Our special thanks to Mrs. Ruchi Gupta, M.Tech. (Structure), Head of

Department of Civil Engineering Department, Shri S’ad Vidya Mandal Institute of

Technology, Bharuch for her encouragement during the project. We are also

thankful to all the working staff of Civil Engineering Department.

Finally we thank all the unmentioned names and Invisible hands who helped us in

bringing this Project Report to the present form.

DATE: Rushi Patel

iv

Dhwani Prajapati

Namrata Vashi

Smit Gohil

SHRI S’AD VIDYA MANDAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,

BHARUCH

CERTIFICATEThis is to certify that the project entitled, “URBAN

FARMING” has been carried out by Rushi Patel, Dhwani

Prajapati, Namrata Vashi and Smit Gohil under my guidance

in partial fulfillment for the degree of Bachelor of Engineering

in Civil Engineering of Gujarat Technological University,

Ahmedabad during the academic year 2015-16. The students

have successfully completed all the activities under my

guidance.

Internal Guide External Examiner Head of the Department

v

Mrs. Payal Shah Mrs. Ruchi Gupta

M. E. (WRM), M. Tech. (Structure),

Asst. Prof., Civil Dept., H.O.D., Civil Dept.,

SVMIT, Bharuch. SVMIT, Bharuch.

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure - 1 Activity Sheet

Figure – 2 Environment Sheet

Figure – 3 Interaction Sheet

Figure – 4 Object Sheet

Figure – 5 User Sheet

Figure – 6 Empathy Mapping

Figure – 7 Ideation Canvas

Figure – 8 Product Development Canvas

Figure - 9 Food System

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LIST OF TABLES

SR NO TABLE NO TABLE NAME

1 Table - 1 Prior Art Search

2 Table – 2 Characteristics of Urban Farm

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

vii

viii

LIST OF SYMBOLS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ix

ABSTRACT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CERTIFICATE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

LIST OF SYMBOLS

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION………………………………………………...…….....4

1.1 Introduction…………………………………………………….………………….....….. 4

1.2 Problems Summary……….. …………………………………………….………..…….. 4

1.3 Aim & Objectives of the project………….……………………………………..…...….. 5

1.4 Brief Literature Reviews………….……………………………………………..…...….. 6

1.5 Prior Art Search (PAS) ……………………………...…..……...…….….………..…….. 7

1.6 Plan of their work………………………………………………… ……..………..…….. 8

Chapter 2: DESIGN METHODOLOGY………………………….................................9

Chapter 3: URBAN FARMING ………………………………..….................................22

3.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………….………....….. 22

3.2 Characteristics of Urban Farming…………………… ……………………....……..….. 23

3.3 Why Urban Farming matters??..................….......................................................…..….. 24

3.4 Unleashing the potential of Urban Farming ….………...……….……...……….…..….. 27

3.5 Urban Farming Land Types………… …..…………..……….……………...….…..….. 29

3.6 Urban Farming Practices…….. …..…………..……….………………………...…..….. 30

3.7 Challenges and Consideration for Farming Practices………...………..……….…....….. 33

Chapter 4: LITERATURE REVIEW ………………………………..…....................

4.1 Urban agriculture in India and its challenges

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Chapter 5: CASE STUDIES ………………………………..…....................

REFERENCES …………………………………………………..…....................................35

xi

xii

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LIST OF

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INTRODUCTION Chapter:1

1.1 Introduction

Urban farming, however, refers to the growing, cultivating and distributing of food within a city

or town boundary to generate revenue.

The meaning of Urban Agriculture is not confined to the cultivation of a few vegetables and

fruits for daily use or a few flower plants in the home garden. On the contrary, it

broadens to entrepreneurship of different crops and livestock production and/or agricultural

product management processes. Urban agriculture can be identified as the agricultural

entrepreneurship carried out in urban and suburban areas or within municipal limits. Various

methodologies are employed to bring about agricultural diversity related to factors such as

production, processing and marketing. The key attempt here is to maximize limited land space,

water availability and recycling of food and non-food materials in the process of sustainable

development.

1.2 Problem Summary

Urbanization is one of the key drivers of change in the world today as the world's urban

population will almost double from the current 3.5 billion to more than 6 billion by 2050. It is a

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challenge not only for urban areas but also for rural areas. Supporting the most vulnerable group

in an urbanizing world, demands discussions on food, agriculture and cities in the context of

rural-urban linkage. Now a day we see that globally concept of urban agriculture is quite popular.

This involves farmers finding space in the city - backyards, vacant lots, parking lots, rooftops,

parks, private or public spaces to grow food for wholesale and retail sales to urban consumers.

This revenue-generating aspect of urban farming creates a whole new set of challenges and

opportunities for the farmers themselves and for local governments. It is these unique challenges

and opportunities of urban farming.

1.3 Aim and objectives of the project

AIM:

Farmers will live in towns.

To provide employment to the peoples.

Link between livelihoods and informal sectors.

To supply food to the peoples.

OBJECTIVES

a) Farmers will live in towns

According to the 2005 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects (UN, 2006), by 2030,

more than 50 per cent of the African population is expected to live in cities.

For example, in Cameroon today, 50 per cent of the population already lives in cities; by

2030, this number is expected to be more than 70 per cent. With the rise of mega-cities,

secondary towns and small urban settlements will spread into rural areas, increasing

population densities even in remote areas.

The traditional distinctions between urban and rural lifestyles are becoming redundant, and

we can reasonably expect a convergence in developing countries between these two

lifestyles (Cohen, 2004).

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b) Urban agriculture will provide employment

The social impact of agriculture is still predominant in Africa. In the absence of formal

employment opportunities from other sectors of the economy, industries and services,

agriculture remains a necessary contributor to livelihoods

However, the economic impact of agriculture at the country level is not always so

significant.

The social impact of agriculture is therefore very important, especially for small-scale

farming. As much as 80 per cent of all farms are family farms, accounting for most rural

employment.

The social impact of agriculture is therefore very important, especially for small-scale

farming. As much as 80 per cent of all farms are family farms, accounting for most rural

employment.

The lack of employment opportunities in the industrial sector or in the service sector makes

agriculture essential to the livelihoods of millions of people in developing countries

Trends in urban growth and the rise of urban farmers will affect productivity in agriculture

by reducing the area of arable land, especially in regions of high population density. They

will also influence environmental issues, such as reduced fallow time and multiple

cropping cycles in one year

c) Livelihoods and the informal sector

Rural-urban linkages are increasing and the distinction between the two sectors is already

causing conceptual problems for national statistics institutes

Very little is known about local economic activities and livelihoods.

Local economic activities are difficult to assess, because of

a. underground production such as registered traders with deliberately concealed production;

b. Illegal production such as fuel smuggling.c. informal production, “unregistered traders” mostly at household

level;d. household production for auto-consumption

A major feature of Urban Agriculture (UA) is the diversity of the socio-economic profiles

of the actors involved, and their varying income and livelihood strategies, a reflection of

the diversity of the labor and capital basis in urban areas

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The informal sector also needs to be taken into account, because it impacts most other

sectors of an economy and the methodological frameworks for surveys.

1.4 Brief literature review

Chapter I introduces the thesis by briefly describing the background of problems and

significance of the study. The research objectives, methodology, scope and limitations are

identified.

Chapter II gives overview of design of canvases.

Chapter III includes Urban Farming.

Chapter IV summarizes results of the literature review.

Chapter V summarizes case studies.

1.5 Prior Art Search (PAS)

Sr.

noPatent topic

Publicatio

n number

Publication

dateInventor

1 New generation farm system 31/2015 31 July 2015 Dr m g gireeshan

2Method & system for decontaminating

soil29/2015 17 July 2015 Yoshida, hideo

3 Mixotrophic method of aquaculture 21/2015 22 may 2015 Farshad

4 Solar multipurpose handcart for hawkers 26/2015 26 June 2015 Dr. B. Kothavale

5Design of weed assisted wastewater

bioremediation system for irrigation use17/2014 25 April 2014 Dr. P. Khankhane

6Automatic water provider at limited time

& amount10/2014 7 march 2014 Vijay khuperkar

7New invented procedure for fertilizer

applications2/2014 10 Jan 2014 nilesh malekar

8 Vertical farming 46/2013 15 Nov 2013 R. K. Bharti

9 Glasscrete building blocks 52/2014 26 Dec 2014 N. Sudharsan

10Method and system for controlling

irrigation 28/2015 10 July 2015

Kolar,

channabassappa

11A machine for cultivation in agricultural

field15/2014 11 April 2014

Sankar narayan

mahato

12 A system for pollution control gardening 17/2014 25 April 2014 Ghosh, parphull

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chandra

13A system for watering and seeding the

farming land9/2014 28 Feb. 2014

Suresh mukati s/o

harikishanji

mukati

14 Structure for aquatic farming 44/2012 2 Nov 2012 Vadassery, nelson

Table – 1

1.6 Plan of the work

1. The results of this project are presented in several different formats.

2. This written report helps to define and describe urban agriculture and local food system

efforts within urban, rural, metropolitan areas and all other cities across the nation.

3. A report is a static document that is good only at the time of writing.

4. Thus, a second output of this project is a dedicated web page created within SVM

Institute of Technology extension’s website to provide information and resources on

urban agriculture as part of larger food system efforts.

5. The third output, maximum use of existing resources that cities can use to support and

encourage agriculture and local food system strategies.

6. This report also affords access to existing ordinances concerning urban agriculture as

well as educational and promotional efforts made by cities to help advocates and

practitioners of urban agriculture.

7. this report is meant to be a dynamic tool that can help cities share information and

resources with each other and the general public in the rapidly emerging field of urban

agriculture

8. Now in actual practice following steps we need to follow

i. First of all we have collect the data from concern authority. I need the help

from the agricultural department to work ahead on my particular project.

ii. After that we have to decide proper site at which we can apply our concept

of urban farming.

iii. Whichever place we decide, we need to perform all agricultural test

related to soil.

iv. We have to decide few important decision for farming such as crop

pattern, irrigation techniques, type of crop, crop period.

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v. Then we need to collect all the equipment which is required especially for

urban farming.

vi. According to all test result we need to select proper soil which is most

suitable for crop.

vii. The arrangement for proper sunlight is made at economical cost.

viii. After that we have to check that, the method which is used for urban

farming is beneficial to us or not.

DESIGN METHODOLOGY Chapter:2Observation Record Sheet (AEIOU Framework)

Activity Planning

Surveying

Crop pattern

Requirement for crop

Availability of source

Estimation

Investigation

Agricultural activities

Soil test

Activities are goal- directed sets of actions – paths towards things people want to

accomplish .this network shows activities which are involved in farming, irrigation etc.

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Figure - 1

Environment

Style

Type of crop

Irrigation method

Terrace farming

Staircase farming

Gallery farming

Materials

Fertilizers

Soil structures

Pots

Atmosphere

Humid

Arid

Sunlight proportions

This whole framework includes that how environment effect the different type of the urban

farming techniques.

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Figure - 2

Interactions

Irrigation department:- Responsible of irrigation department is to

construction and maintenance of irrigation system, flood protection and

drainage works, to cater the power needs the state irrigation department

Agricultural department:- Responsible of agricultural department is to

coordination and monitoring of Agriculture Production Programme

Urban authority

Building planner

Residential people

Different material agencies

Interaction are between a person and someone or something else, they are the building blocks of

activities. This network is all about the interaction in urban farming.

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Figure - 3

Objects

Different type of soil

Type of fertilizers

Water

Reflected mirror

Agricultural equipment

Object are building blocks of the environment, key elements sometimes put to complex or

unintended uses. This framework shows the different equipment and objects used in urban

farming

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Figure - 4

USER

Irrigation department :- Responsible of irrigation department is to construction and

maintenance of irrigation system, flood protection and drainage works, to cater the power

needs state irrigation department

Agricultural department :- Responsible of agricultural department is to coordination and

monitoring of Agriculture Production Programme

Horticulturist: - Amenity horticulture covers the design, construction, management and

maintenance of living, recreational and leisure areas. Users are the people whose behavior

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preferences, and needs are being observed.it consists of people those are influenced by the

facility of solid waste management

Figure - 5

1) Empathy Mapping

User

Town planner

Farmer

Residential people

Activities

Estimation

surveying

crop pattern

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water requirement

planning

soil test

Stakeholder

Agricultural engineer

Irrigation engineer

Figure - 6

2) Ideation canvas

People

Town planner

Farmer

Residential people

Urban authority

Agricultural engineer

Irrigation engineer

Environment engineer

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Activities

Planning

Surveying

Crop pattern

Requirement for crop

Availability of source

Estimation

Investigation

Situation/Context/Location

Lack of agricultural land

Balancing urbanization with agricultural

Waste reduction

Green jobs and innovation

Parking farming

Balcony farming

Floating farming

Terrace farming

Rapid growth of urbanizations

Props/Tools/Objects/Equipment

Cultivator

Reflector

Pipes

Sprinkler

Chisel

Sprayer

UV rays bulb

Plant cutter

Bike and carts

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Figure - 7

3) Product Development Canvas

Purpose

Increase farming

Utilization of constructed area

Increase crop yield

Reduce pollution

People

Town planner

Farmer

Residential people

Urban authority

Agricultural engineer

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Irrigation engineer

Environment engineer

Product Experience

Use of marginal area

Less use of fertilizer

Less use of pesticides

More economical

Product Functions

Save environment

Availability of pure oxygen

Save water

Food security

Use of recycled water

Component

Raised bed gardening

Grow boxes

Green house production

Nursery pots

Vertical production

Customer Revalidation

Access to water

Access to land

Access to sunlight

Farm structure

Nuisance of farm

Reject ,Redesign, Retain

Dirty environment

Unpleasant smell

Soil contamination

Irrigation with portable water

No water cost

Maintenance

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Figure - 8

URBAN FARMING Chapter:3

3.1 Introduction

Urban agriculture is becoming a household word for many municipalities and most often brings

to mind community gardens or edible landscapes. Urban farming, however, refers to growing

food in the city to generate revenue. This involves farmers finding space in the city - backyards,

vacant lots, parking lots, rooftops, parks, private or public spaces to grow food for wholesale and

retail sales to urban consumers. This revenue-generating aspect of urban farming creates a whole

new set of challenges and opportunities for the farmers themselves and for local governments.

The term “urban” is used here to define the regulatory boundaries of a municipality and is not

intended to imply a particular degree of building density. It is likely that some farmers who are

currently producing food within town boundaries may not self-identify as “urban farmers”.

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The term “food system” includes food production, processing, distribution, marketing,

consumption, and food waste. Like water, energy and waste, the food system plays a

fundamental role in urban systems and many North American cities and towns are beginning to

find ways to make their current food systems (where their food comes from, how it is grown and

distributed, how its consumed, and how food waste is recovered) more sustainable. This includes

decreasing the distance that food travels, preserving local farmland, increasing food security and

awareness about healthy food, and providing facilities for organic waste recovery.

Figure – 9 The dimensions of the food system from land to waste.

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Fig.

3.2 Characteristics of Urban Farming

1. The farmer:

Over the past 10-15 years, the farmer has emerged, willing to revive remnant urban farms or find

space within the confines of the built environment, to produce and sell food. Some of these

farmers are choosing this route simply because they can’t access rural farms due to high land

prices or lack of available land. Many are entrepreneurs, sometimes part of collectives, who are

utilizing innovative growing methods to produce high yields in the small spaces they can find in

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the city. Unlike farmers of the past, these new farmers do not necessarily come from agricultural

backgrounds. A study of Vancouver farmers found that only 35% of operators had experience

growing up on a farm or more than five years farming experience (Schutzbank, 2011). In BC,

there appears to be two new farming cohorts: i) early retirees with start-up capital who are

moving out of large cities into more rural communities, and ii) university educated young people

often with very little start-up capital.

2. Diverse urban farming business models:

Urban farmers and their businesses can vary greatly in both experience and approach. Urban

farming businesses tend to be either a social enterprise or a for profit business model. Social

enterprises often have mandates that address food security, local food and community

development, and the revenue from these farms goes back into the operation. For profit farms are

often started by entrepreneurs with similar mandates to social enterprises, but work under a

conventional for profit model, where revenues go back to the farmer and operation.

3. Alignment with other organizations and businesses:

Being in the city, urban farms are often high profile and can have great potential for

collaboration within the community by building partnerships with developers, the food service

industry, schools, community organizations, and local governments. Some are also becoming

educational hubs for growing and eating healthy food. As a new practice, standards, techniques,

and business operations are still being fine-tuned; however, they are proving to be successful

enough to attract a market in local food retail and foodies alike. They can also align with many

of the food system, green economy, and community development strategies being adopted by

local governments.

4. Nature of urban farm practices:

Urban farming can be considered part of the spectrum of agricultural geography. Urban sites are

micro-scaled with growing space that is typically less than one acre and within close proximity

to urban activity. Commercial and residential neighbors are closer to urban farms and farming

operations can be impeded by concern for public health, safety, and aesthetics, among others.

Equipment tends to be limited to hand tools with the rare exception of a rototiller or tractor.

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Facilities are usually limited to small greenhouses and tool sheds, rarely large barns. Mixed

produce is a typical crop while chickens or bees can be included only if bylaws permit. Food is

distributed straight to the source whether it is at a farmer’s market, through food deliveries, or

directly to grocers and restaurants. Overall yields are smaller but yields per unit area can be

higher than traditional rural farming.

5. Centralized market and resources in an urban environment:

In a city, urban farmers are closer to their market, to other farmers, and to supportive

organizations which allows them to share training and resources, and to collaborate with others

to reach wider audiences. There also tends to be a larger population of foodies, supportive

restaurants, and grocers that create a demand for urban farming products.

Currently, and for the foreseeable future, urban farming is and will continue to be a small but

potent dimension of local food systems. Small due to the size of the emerging industry, but

potent due to the many other opportunities urban farming can help develop. One of the most

direct benefits of growing food in or near towns and cities is the new source of products and

people that adds value to local communities.

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3.3 Why Urban Farming matters??

Urban farming has emerged at the frontier of a burgeoning trend in local food and community

resiliency. Local food retailers, restaurants, and consumers are responding as partnerships with

chefs and even mainstream grocers are being established. Vegetables farmed in the city are

finding their way onto menus, food carts, and produce stands. As a result, linkages in the local

food chain are becoming stronger in concert with a growing consumer demand for local and

sustainably grown food. Although it is not expected that these farms will ever feed a whole city,

they have great potential for increasing community health through providing secure access to

fresh food in the face of rising food prices, as well as stimulating community wealth with new

sources of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The urban farming trend is not being ignored by local governments as many municipalities are

starting to incorporate policy for more local food systems into their planning processes. Support

for initiatives associated with food systems is showing up in Official Community Plans,

Agriculture Plans, park and neighborhood designs, and food strategies.

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At the same time, with this rapidly growing interest, many local governments are struggling with

how this fits into their land use polices, regulatory systems, and scope of operations, especially in

the context of land being re purposed for growing food. Urban farmers are also looking for ways

to eliminate barriers to the practice of farming in the city. The emerging need and opportunity

around urban farming is to integrate these activities in a safe and beneficial way.

The Benefits of Urban Farming

Fig.

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The businesses that comprise the emerging urban farming sector provide a number of benefits to

the community. Food is often grown using low chemical inputs; fresh food products are

distributed and directly marketed to food retailers, farmer’s markets, restaurants, and others often

using alternative or low carbon delivery methods. Farms can be a conduit for waste recovery,

providing supply for the demand for organic composted soil. Also, the presence of the farm is

often highly visible to the public, raising awareness about food and farming, and often providing

opportunities for education about growing and eating fresh produce. Finally, urban farms provide

a training ground for young farmers who are interested in the farming process. These new

farmers are a much needed resource to replace retiring farmers. Specific areas of local

government interest and linkages to urban farming are discussed below.

1. Green Jobs and innovation:

Urban farms foster entrepreneurs and provide a conduit for innovation. Urban farmers with small

growing spaces are coming up with innovative ideas for how to produce high yields and a

reasonable return. Models such as aquaponics, vertical farming, micro-green operations and

greenhouses on rooftops are all innovations that are emerging in North American urban farms.

Although they are just starting out, many of these innovations are getting media coverage and

buy-in from local businesses and consumers, helping to put urban farming on the map. Jobs in

urban farming are being created and job training in urban contexts is preparing would-be farmers

to scale up and move onto larger farms.

Urban farms can be set up as a social enterprise to generate revenue and create jobs for local low

income communities. For example, SOLE food, a Vancouver urban farm, was started as an

initiative to provide employment and training opportunities for Vancouver’s inner-city residents.

In 2012, they employed 25 staff from their sales revenues (Dory, 2012).

2. Waste Reduction:

In BC, food waste makes up 40% of residential waste and organics, and made up a quarter of the

overall waste stream in 2006 (Ministry of Environment, 2010). This category is comprised

primarily of compostable items such as food and yard waste. Urban farms have the potential to

redirect food waste into compost for food production. Reusing organics for farming is a form of

energy recovery and given that more hydrocarbon energy is used to produce food energy, this is

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an important part of making agriculture more sustainable. Urban farms can also provide

composting education to the public to encourage food waste reduction. With heavy foods, such

as water-rich produce, reducing the travel distance to the point of purchase reduces greenhouse

gas emissions and allows for more transportation alternatives such as cycling. In 2011, Loutet

Farm diverted waste from City of North Vancouver parks (16 truckloads) into on site compost

(City of North Vancouver Parks and Environment Advisory Committee, 2012).

3. Urban Revitalization:

Many urban farms are located in under-utilized urban spaces such as vacant lots or under-used

parks. What was once a derelict space can become a lush green space and hub of activity for the

community and urban farmers? Green City Acres, an urban farm in downtown Kelowna, has one

site located on what was once a derelict vacant lot overlooked by surrounding condominiums.

Since the farm was established, the farmer has been receiving accolades from many of the

condominium owners for beautifying and activating the space (Stone, 2012).

4. Community education and development:

A 2007 study of producers showed that urban agriculture groups tend to play a role in social

cohesion, education, and advocacy for specific causes or policy changes (Santanderau & Castro,

2007). Farms in the city can become urban features that inspire awareness and conversations

about food, whether supportive or controversial. Many farmers will attest to the streams of local

and out of town visitors who come to see their farms in action.

Urban farms can also become community hubs that celebrate and raise awareness about local

food. Events such as festivals, harvest dinners, cooking, or growing demonstrations, and

educational programs can inspire DIY activities involving growing your own food, making

cheese, beekeeping, cooking and preparing food. Some programs cater to certain groups such as

ethnic groups, low income families, seniors, and children. Urban farmers often host public events

that involve other organizations or industry sectors including local chefs and food and farm

organizations. Many farmers are also asked to speak about local farming or teach growing

techniques. Some urban farmers are also technically savvy with websites, blogs, Twitter and

Facebook accounts dedicated to promoting their farm and educating the virtual world about local

food.

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The associated benefits of urban farms extend too many facets of the health and wealth of a city.

These can include education and training about eating and growing local food, increased

awareness about where food comes from, and training for farmers, all of which are in great need

as older generations of farmers continue to retire and urbanization continues to rise.

3.4 Unleashing the Potential of Urban Farming:

Farming in urban spaces can pose a number of unique challenges for both regulators and farmers.

For example, in many towns and cities, agriculture is not a permitted use outside of the

Agricultural Land Reserve or on agriculturally zoned lands. To an extent this makes sense as

agricultural and urban land uses have historically been separated to avoid conflicts between

differing land uses. However, modern urban farms tend to be smaller scale and focused on higher

value crops and low impact growing techniques, thereby avoiding some of the historical

problems of integrating agriculture where people live, work, learn, and play.

This section will describe and discuss these challenges based on the key dimensions or processes

of the urban farming practice from both regulatory and urban farming standpoints, as well as

provide examples of local government responses to these challenges.

Dimensions of urban farming include:

Land and Land Access

Production

Processing and Distribution

Celebration and Education

Waste Recovery

Key policy, land use, and administrative barriers for urban farmers:

A lack of policy and regulations addressing urban farming in statutory plans (such

as OCPs) and zoning bylaws.

Possible noise,dust, traffic, pesticide use, and odor associated with farming

activities.

An increase in real or perceived risks to health and safety.

A lack of appreciation of the regulatory and farming realities.

A lack of licensing specific to the nature and operations of farming businesses.

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Restrictions on the selling of produce from farm sites.

Restrictions on keeping small livestock and farm animals (e.g., chickens and

bees).

Restrictions on farm structures such as greenhouses and storage sheds.

3.5 Urban Farming Land types:

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3.6 Urban Farming practices:

The core characteristics of urban farm practices are summarized below. While there is great

diversity of techniques and approaches within urban farming, this description is intended to

orient the reader to some of the most common characteristics of urban farming.

1. Farm practices:

Urban farming practices tend to be more intensive involving techniques such as SPIN farming

and permaculture to allow for high yields in small spaces. Other innovative urban farming

techniques are also emerging such as aquaponics, a system that combines aquaculture (raising

aquatic animals in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water), and vertical farming

operations (for definitions see glossary). While not all urban farms will necessarily be organic, it

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is desirable to limit or prohibit the use of agricultural chemicals in urban areas, as many

municipalities have done already with cosmetic pesticide bans.

2. Crops:

The most common type of crops for an urban farmer are fresh produce (salad greens, vegetables,

berries, and fruit). Fresh produce is less regulated and easier to package and transport than other

food products such as meat and eggs. Livestock is less common due to regulations, space, care,

and nuisance complaints.

3. Soils and growing mediums:

As most urban farmers use organic (i.e., natural) methods of production (i.e., no chemical

fertilizers), healthy soil is vital for healthy crops. Compost is one of the main ingredients for

growing, and a key feature of any farm. However, due to space restrictions or regulations that

prohibit them from composting, many farmers cannot produce enough compost, relying on

imported soil instead. Urban farms have the potential to become centers for organic waste

recycling, where neighborhood food waste could be composted and put back into food

production. Soil contamination in urban areas is a common concern for farmers and measures are

often used to mitigate this, such as soil testing, soil remediation and utilizing raised planter boxes

for production.

4. Water:

Like any farm, a reliable water source is required for irrigating crops, washing harvest and

equipment, and general farm hygiene. Water in a city can come from many sources including

piped water, well water, and treated storm water.

5. Structures:

Structures required for urban farms can include storage sheds for tools and equipment, potting

sheds, greenhouses, cold or dry storage structures such as root cellars, and kitchen facilities for

food handling and processing. Some urban farms may also require facilities for teaching, which

could include kitchens and classrooms.

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6. Value-added processing:

The sale of value-added products such as canned fruit, pickled vegetables, and jams/jellies, are

considered medium to high risk according to provincial health regulations. This means that there

are many restrictions on small scale processing and regulations are often very challenging for

small producers to adhere to.

Links between certified commercial and/or community kitchens provide an opportunity for urban

farmers and local food processors. Selling value added products can provide a key source of

revenue and help decrease food waste. Future urban farms could also have on-site food

processing facilities for larger scale food processing. This would help decrease food waste before

it is consumed (e.g., over-ripe fruit and bruised vegetables that can’t be sold from local grocers)

and provide a diversity of local food products.

Table - 2

3.7 Challenges & Considerations for Farming Practices:

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Urban farmers can face certain challenges that are not necessarily experienced by rural farmers.

These include:

1. Small livestock: The raising and selling of most livestock (and related products such as

honey, milk, eggs), if permitted at all, is usually limited to bees and chickens. The sale of

both eggs and chickens are regulated by Provincial health regulations. However, small

livestock is often considered an essential part of the farm system and is an important

component of nutrient cycling or pollination. Bees and chickens in urban areas can also be

problematic due to real or perceived risks associated with health and safety; how to deal with

them is often a divisive public policy issue. However, there are ample resources and

examples of how to manage and plan for bees, hens, and other fowl including examples of

how to keep them safely, ethically, and with no negative impact on neighbors.

2. Access to water: Irrigation can be a challenge if infrastructure is not in place, if the water

source is limited (e.g., well water), or if the water is metered, which adds an extra cost. There

also may be concerns around the use of potable water for irrigation in terms of straining local

drinking water resources and adding costs for the general tax base. Accessing water for

gardening or small-scale farming can be a more serious concern in places with water

restrictions or a lack of ground or surface water access. Municipal water hook ups may be

expensive or simply not available.

3. Soil: Often soil in urban areas is contaminated or too compacted to use, which may limit in-

ground growing potential. Soil testing may be required for food production, which can be

expensive. With limited space for compost production, urban farmers often have to bring in

soil, which can be cost prohibitive and in some cases may require a soil deposition permit. In

terms of composting, some municipalities prohibit composting outright limiting soil healthy

production.

4. Farm structures: Structures such as greenhouses and storage facilities and fencing may

require building permits, or may be prohibited altogether by zoning bylaws. Greenhouses are

also associated with light and noise pollution and require careful regulation in residential

areas (e.g., maximum size, light pollution mitigation strategies, etc.).

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5. Nuisances: Nuisances from farm activities that may cause concern include aesthetics, dust,

unpleasant odors, disruptive noises, visual impact of farm buildings and unkempt gardens,

and contamination of surface or ground water sources. Due to the fact that the Right to Farm

Legislation may or may not apply fully or in part to urban farming activities, municipalities

may find that they need to more heavily regulate farm practices and/or and mediate

conflicting stakeholder interests through consultation and facilitation, especially in

geographic areas with facing challenges.

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LITERATURE REVIEW Chapter:4

Before embarking on to the study of any area of interest it is essential to look into the pertinent

work previously done on it. Since it gives a fabulous insight about the topic and gives way to

mend away the lacunae left in the process of exploration of the research study. It helps in finding

out the new horizons of our field of research. Therefore this chapter is devoted for an analysis of

various literatures available on urban farming.

4.1 URBAN AGRICULTURE IN INDIA AND ITS CHALLENGES

Pranati Awasthi Infrastructure Systems, CTRANS

IIT RoorkeeABSTRACT

Urbanization is one of the key drivers of change in the world today as the world's urban

population will almost double from the current 3.5 billion to more than 6 billion by 2050. It is a

challenge not only for urban areas but also for rural areas. Supporting the most vulnerable group

in an urbanizing world, demands discussions on food, agriculture and cities in the context of

rural-urban linkage.

Now a day we see that globally concept of urban agriculture is quite popular. And we Indians are

quite famous for copying the most prevalent styles of developed nation in India without proper

assessment. Urban agriculture is no doubt a concept that has made significant impact in few

cities of world like Boston, US and Bangkok, Thailand.

Urban agriculture is the practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around a

village, town, or city. It can also involve animal husbandry, aquaculture, agro forestry, and

horticulture. These activities also occur in peri-urban areas as well.

In India we have practiced implementing urban farming projects cities of Delhi, Hyderabad and

Mumbai. My paper aims at making a study on these projects and outcomes of their

implementation.

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CONCLUSION

Urban agriculture, at first glance, may appear to be a fairly simple topic: Scatter a few plots

about the City and let residents start gardening. In reality, however, urban agriculture impacts a

community in a variety of ways, from providing food security, environmental benefits, and even

modifying a city’s urban form. Similarly, in spite of its

seeming simplicity, urban agriculture does not just happen. To foster the development and

growth of urban agriculture, a city may have to consider implementing techniques that include

zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans and, in some cases, state legislation.

The take-away lesson for us is that people’s livelihoods have to be at the center of any discussion

about sustainability and making changes. At a most basic level the need to provide for oneself

and one’s family is a major driver of behavior. We need to be able to recognize this tension

between short-term livelihood decisions and long-term sustainability goals and forge a path that

works with people’s need to provide for their families, but does so in an environmentally and

socially conscious way.

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CASE STUDIES Chapter:5

5.1. CASE OF HYDERBAD

Urban agriculture is the new culture that is catching up in Hyderabad city. More than 4000

households in the outskirts of the city currently are self reliant for the vegetable needs of the

family. This time Horticulture department for a change is giving subsidy directly to the citizens

instead of farmers who want to grow of complete nutrients set of vegetables.

Horticulture department director K Devamuni Reddy said that the initiative as part of urban

farming is met with good response since it was initiated two months back. "We give the citizens

who are ready to grow a cluster of vegetables at their home a subsidy of Rs 360 and they have to

spend other Rs 1200 from their pockets" he added. This subsidy kit involves four silatin round

beds, red earth, farmyard manures, 14 bags and other essential things to grow a garden at home.

Officials said though the citizens have to spend additional Rs 400 to 500 for transporting,

response has been more than good. Mostly people in Uppal, Dilsukhnagar, LB nagar,

Vanastalipuram who have own houses have shown good interest with more than 4000 subsidy

kits being distributed so far. Officials plan to increase this number to another 1000 in next few

months.

5.1.1. Challenges faced

On Paper, on reports, and on official projections, Official records all seems to be attractive and

successful, but the realistic scene is completely opposite. The four areas mentioned in the news

report, UPPAL, Dilsukhnagar, L.B.Nagar and Vanasthalipuram are so crowded, houses in these

areas have no space for gardening or for drying the clothes, houses are built on 200 to 500 square

yards have double or triple storied buildings, as these areas fetch good rents, most of the owners

have rented out, tenants are not allowed to grow any trees or vegetables, very few houses on the

outskirts of the city, say near Hayathnagar, Ghatkesar and others may have purchased few kits,

but the result may not have been satisfactory.

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5.2. CASE OF DELHI

The Yamuna River runs through the middle of Delhi -- India's second largest metropolis and

home to a population of over 18 million inhabitants. But very few of this city's residents or

visitors know that along the banks of the Yamuna live thousands of urban farmers. Contrary to

what one who learns of them might assume, these urban farmers are not recent migrants forcibly

displaced from rural areas and only able to find work in Delhi as agricultural laborers. Rather,

they have been cultivating vegetables along the banks of Yamuna for several generations. Yet

still, since they are without government identification cards and do not own the property on

which they farm, these farmers are among the most vulnerable population in urban Delhi -- not

only unknown, but also invisible. Despite having no access to government services, living under

constant threat of eviction, and having to rebuild their houses each year after the river banks

flood during the monsoons, the Yamuna farmers speak enthusiastically about farming vegetables

in the Delhi city center in favor of growing grain crops in the rural provinces as they did

generations ago. But with the recently opened metro stations along the banks of the Yamuna and

the likelihood of new developments, the future of this vulnerable population is uncertain. From

preliminary research, one comes under the impression that there is little to no significant urban

agriculture in Delhi. But as one goes deep inside will find out that there is in fact extensive urban

agriculture in Delhi, and on a scale that far exceeds that of the cities that typically come to mind

on the subject. Yet, urban agriculture in Delhi exists in such a way that it is both intensively

practiced and decidedly irrelevant.

5.2.2. Challenges faced

The Yamuna farmers present a paradoxical situation. On the one hand, they are a very significant

subject for urban agriculture globally in terms of the sheer scale of their production. But at the

same time, there is the imminent threat of development and it is unlikely that the farmers will

exist in this capacity for much longer

5.3 The City of Campbell River

Although farming is not a primary industry in the City of Campbell River, agriculture plays an

important role both socially and economically. In fact, the City has a vision to produce 10% of

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its own food by 2031, and has developed strategies to move in that direction. In 2011, the City

adopted its Agricultural Plan, which outlined a number of strategies to support agriculture and

urban farming, and in 2012, the City’s Sustainable Official Community Plan outlined agriculture

as a key driver of social and economic vitality.

With a significant amount of viable farm land within City boundaries (both ALR and non-ALR

land), and a foundation of agricultural knowledge and local food interest, the groundwork is

being laid toward realizing the City’s vision.

5.3.1 Urban farming in Campbell River:

Approximately 5,000 hectares of viable Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) within City

boundaries.

Growing conditions both inside and outside of the ALR to support a wide range of crops

including blueberries, grapes, and mushrooms.

Existing farmers with the skills and desire to teach others about growing food, especially

youth.

Interest exploring new ways to farm including agriculture trusts, co-ops, and direct farm

marketing.

Greenhouse production and alternative crops.

The Farmer’s Market has been identified as playing a key role in distributing local food

and becoming a community gathering space.

Extension services and education offered by North Island College are already in place

including local food workshops and video series.

Opportunities for linkages with the existing agricultural industry in nearby Comox

Valley.

Coastal Roots Vegetables is a local farm that produces over 20 crops on an acre of land.

Produce is sold to the residents through a seasonal veggie box program (Coastal Roots

Vegetables, 2010).

Ross Mountain Blueberry Farm is a one acre urban farm operating on a residential

acreage in the City of Campbell River. This farm is possible because nursery and large

crops are allowed in specific residential areas (Ostler, 2011).

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5.3.2 Conclusion:

Although Campbell River is just beginning their local food and agriculture movement, the

groundwork and community interest exists to realize movement in this area. This example is of

particular interest for those who are looking to food and agriculture to contribute to community

revitalization and local economic development.

Ross Mountain Blueberry Farm, Campbell River, BC

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REFERENCES :

1. www.Google.com

2. Urban Manuals

3. Wikipedia

4. www.urbanfarming.org

5. Urban Farming Guide Book

6. RAUF Foundation (Resource Centre on Urban Agriculture & Food Security)

7. International Journal of Environmental Science

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