“Greening the Cities of Tomorrow: A case study on Rooftop Organic Farming - an Innovative Policy and Strategic Framework for Sustainable and Inclusive Organic Supply Chains”

Abstract

The increasing urbanization of India poses both obstacles and opportunities in achieving the national objective of Viksit Bharat.  In light of apprehensions regarding food security, environmental deterioration, and constrained urban space, rooftop organic farming presents a feasible and sustainable remedy.  This case study examines the potential of rooftop gardening and novel supply chain tactics that facilitate its incorporation into urban ecosystems, specifically in Badlapur, Maharashtra. The study evaluates the execution of a rooftop organic farming initiative in the Kulgaon-Badlapur area, examining essential supply chain elements including input procurement (organic seeds, compost), vertical and container farming methods, post-harvest logistics, aggregation centres, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) delivery systems.  Technological innovations, such as IoT monitoring systems and mobile applications for real-time farm-to-fork communication, are assessed for their revolutionary effects on operational efficiency and customer trust. Research indicates that decentralized food production techniques, such as rooftop gardening, diminish reliance on rural agriculture, lower carbon emissions, and improve urban food sovereignty.  Innovative approaches like community-supported agriculture (CSA) and hyperlocal distribution networks are recognized as essential facilitators for establishing transparent, efficient, and resilient urban food supply chains.

The research additionally examines significant obstacles, such as scalability, standardization, legal impediments, and insufficient customer awareness.  It provides pragmatic ideas for legislators, urban planners, and agricultural entrepreneurs to mitigate these deficiencies through supportive frameworks, incentive-driven initiatives, and awareness campaigns.

Rooftop organic farming aligns environmental objectives with grassroots creativity, providing a means for urban revitalisation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive economic development.  This research underscores that urban greening is not merely an ecological necessity, but also a strategic measure in cultivating a resilient, self-sufficient, and sustainable Viksit Bharat.