Enhancing Urban Food Security through Sustainable Vegetable Gardening - A Case Study from Tamil Nadu, India

Urban vegetable gardens are becoming increasingly popular both in India and abroad, with many enthusiastic city residents undertaking such initiatives in their own homes. A study conducted in Tamil Nadu, India, aimed to assess the sustainability of urban vegetable gardening, with a focus on understanding its nature and developing strategies for long-term viability.

The study selected 120 respondents, including beneficiaries of vegetable kit distribution programs and other vegetable gardeners, through purposive sampling. Approximately half of the respondents were housewives, and nearly half had gardens on their terraces. Over half of the respondents cited avoiding chemicals as their motivation for gardening, while almost half considered it a hobby. All participants grew vegetables solely for household consumption, with no commercial intentions. The majority of gardeners (58%) used recycled materials, while others purchased supplies from various sources such as government offices, shops, or online platforms. Nearly half used coir pith, while the rest opted for soil as their growth medium. Homemade composting and vermicompost were the most common methods of fertilization, with quantities ranging from 1 to 5 kilograms per month.

While the potager scheme was well-received by urban dwellers in Coimbatore, it was discontinued after a year. Nonetheless, it raised significant awareness among residents, and their needs are now met by online sellers. Achieving sustained and profitable terrace gardening requires careful consideration of inputs and timing. Planned interventions by institutions in urban and peri-urban areas can lead to sustainable projects that contribute to green cover and help meet the food needs of urban populations.