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.
Author(s) Details:
Shibi Sebastian,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
A.
Anuratha,
Tamil
Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
R. Neelavathy,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
E. Jamuna,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
G. Gomadhi,
Tamil
Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V6/article/view/14204
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