This book is a bold and forward-looking volume that redefines how we perceive farming in the context of rapidly urbanizing landscapes. This book captures the pulse of innovation, weaving together the threads of smart technology, climate resilience, policy reform, and sustainability. With contributions from more than 25 scientists of Kerala Agricultural University, the book offers a panoramic view of the emerging tools and practices shaping urban agriculture today—from IoT-enabled drip irrigation and smart vertical farming, to coir-based growing media, peri-urban entrepreneurship, and ecosystem service frameworks. Each chapter blends practical insight with academic depth, making it relevant for researchers, planners, students, and policy architects alike. This volume moves beyond theory to present implementable models for sustainable food systems, efficient water use, waste recycling, and climate adaptation—all within the framework of circular and inclusive city design. It brings together global best practices with region-specific innovations from India’s urban and peri urban ecosystems. For anyone interested in building greener, healthier, and more resilient cities, this book is not just a reference—it’s a roadmap.
Dr. G.S. Sreedaya is currently Associate Professor and Head, Centre for Agricultural Innovations and Technology Transfer (CAITT), Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), and also serves as an Associate Director of Extension (Southern Zone) of KAU. With over two decades of academic and extension leadership, she is widely recognized for her contributions to sustainable urban agriculture, agri-entrepreneurship and climate-resilient food systems. Dr. Sreedaya completed her education at Kerala Agricultural University and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Madurai Kamaraj University. She further honed her expertise in urban food systems through an advanced training program on Sustainable Food Systems at Wageningen University, The Netherlands. She has authored and co-authored more than 60 research papers in reputed NAAS-rated journals and has guided 16 post-graduate and 4 doctoral students, with several ongoing. As a prolific academic editor, she has previously curated volumes, such as Tactics of Being an Agripreneur and Sustainable Urban Agricultural Systems: Principles and Practices. In this volume, Next-Gen Urban Agriculture: From IoT to Ecosystems – Strategies for Greener Cities, Dr. Sreedaya brings her unique vision— combining policy, innovation, and practice—to highlight transformative pathways for inclusive and smart urban agriculture.
1 Policies Supporting Urban Farming and Successful Urban Farming Models ...........................................................................1
2 Technological Innovations in Urban Agriculture ..................................17
3 Fruit Crops for Urban Horticulture .......................................................25
4 Smart Urban Agriculture: Leveraging Innovative Technology for A Greener Future ..........................................................47
5 Urban Agriculture in Kerala: Challenges, Gender Dynamics, and Pathways to Sustainability ..............................................................55
6 IoT-Based Drip Irrigation System for Vertical Farming in Rainshelter ..........................................................................67
7 Water Management and Urban Agriculture ..........................................77
8 Urban Waste Management: A Way Through Circular Economy ..........89
9 Urban Heat Islands and Future Climate: Building Resilient Solutions ..............................................................................103
10 Rice Milk: A Nutritional and Quality Perspective ..............................117
11 Advancing Urban Agriculture Through Plant Breeding Innovations ..........................................................................................129
12 Coir Pith Based Lightweight and Nutrient Rich Growing Media Suitable for Vegetable Cultivation on Terraces .......................147
13 Ecosystem Services of Urban Agriculture ..........................................155
14 Smart Irrigation: Bridging Technology and Agriculture .....................171
15 Urban Agripreneurship : Sustainable Models for Growth and Supply Chain Efficiency .....................................................................193
16 Payments for Ecosystem Services: A Promise for Sustainable Ecosystem ........................................................................205
17 Urban Agriculture as a Nature-Based Solution: Strengthening Disaster Preparedness, Green Infrastructure, and Economic Stability ......................................................................223
