The answer is URBAN AGRICULTURE. 


URBAN AGRICULTURE

Urban agriculture also known as urban farming and urban gardening is the practice of cultivating in rooftop or less-used areas of our house for our own fulfillment or extra income and sometimes it includes processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas. Urban food production not only has positive impacts on our daily nutritional but also improves our surrounding air quality. We can start urban agriculture in both developed and developing cities easily. It includes controlled environments such as greenhouses and uncontrolled environments like pot plants on our balcony. We can grow plants according to our available area. It can be vertically, horizontally, or in a stair shape.

Overall, urban agriculture is an important and growing trend that has the potential to improve food security, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the health and well-being of urban communities.

 

CULTIVATION OF CROPS IN URBAN AREAS-

Rooftop gardens and horticulture- It’s easy to cultivate plants, vegetables, or fruits on the rooftop of a building. Rooftop gardens can be created on any type of building, including homes, apartment complexes, and commercial buildings.

There are several benefits of rooftop gardens such as increasing the amount of green space in urban areas, which can improve air quality and provide a natural habitat for birds and insects. A building with plants reduces the amount of heat absorbed by a building, which can improve energy efficiency and lower cooling costs.

Planting on open spaces are absorb and filters rainwater, reducing the amount of stormwater runoff that enters the city's sewer system.


Urban Hydroponics- Growing plants in a soil-free system using nutrient-rich water, this method of agriculture is becoming increasingly popular in urban areas because it requires less space and water than traditional soil-based farming methods. In a hydroponic system, plants are grown in a nutrient solution delivered directly to the plant roots through various systems. The nutrient solution is typically mixed with water and circulated through the system to ensure that plants receive the necessary nutrients.

Hydroponic systems use up to 90% less water than traditional soil-based farming methods. Even allow for year-round cultivation and can produce higher crop yields than traditional farming methods. This method produces less waste and uses fewer pesticides and herbicides than traditional farming methods. The controlled environment allowed for precise control over nutrient delivery, which can result in healthier, more robust plants.


Urban Aquaponics- Urban aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in a closed, symbiotic system. In an aquaponic system, fish are raised in tanks and their waste is converted into nutrients that are used to fertilize plants grown in the same system. The nutrient-rich water from the fish tanks is circulated through the hydroponic system, where it is absorbed by the plants. The plants then act as a natural filter, cleaning the water before it is returned to the fish tanks. This cycle creates a closed-loop system that requires less water and produces less waste than traditional farming methods. Fish and vegetables are in the same system, providing a sustainable source of food in less water and without extra nutrients. Also, use fewer pesticides and herbicides than traditional farming methods.


Aeroponics Farming- In Aeroponics, a liquid solution with nutrients is misted in air chambers where the plants are suspended. It is the most sustainable soil-less growing technique with very less water requirement. In this system, plants receive oxygen, water, and nutrients directly through their roots, which are exposed to the air. Because plants grown in an aeroponic system have access to a high amount of oxygen, they tend to grow faster and produce higher yields than plants grown in other hydroponic systems. It requires only 5% use of water than traditional soil-based farming methods and is able to grow faster and more efficiently. Such as hydroponic and aquaponic these systems also need fewer pesticides and herbicides.

However, there are also some challenges associated with including hydroponic and aquaponic, aeroponic also need specialized equipment and a reliable source of electricity. It is important to work with a professional to ensure that an aeroponic system is designed and installed properly.



Beekeeping-  Beekeeping on a rooftop is becoming an increasingly popular trend, as it allows people to produce their own honey and support local bee populations while also utilizing otherwise unused space. However, before starting a rooftop beehive, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. This work is required proper training and enough space, including planting a bee-friendly garden or providing a nearby water source but government promotes beekeeping and provides free training in many agriculture institutes. Overall, rooftop beekeeping can be a rewarding hobby and a great way to support local bee populations.


BENEFITS OF URBAN AGRICULTURE-

Grow food in urban helps to increase access to fresh, healthy produce reduce food insecurity in cities, and improve food access and nutrition including promoting community engagement, bringing people together to work on a common project, and promoting social connections.

However, many of these technics need specialized equipment and a reliable source of electricity. It is important to work with a professional to ensure that is designed and installed properly. But all are profitable to increase your income even in corona epidemic type health and economic crises conditions.