"शहरीकरण में वृद्धि के साथ, पेरी-अर्बन कृषि (Peri-urban agriculture) तथा कृषि उत्पाद के आवश्यकताओं के लिए एक महत्वपूर्ण योगदानकर्ता के रूप में उभर रही है। इस संदर्भ में, सतत तरीके से पेरी-अर्बन कृषि को बढ़ावा देने से जुड़ी चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करिए। (10 अंक, 150 शब्द) "With growing urbanization, peri-urban agriculture is emerging as a significant contributor to fresh farm produce needs'. In this context, discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner. (10 marks, 150 words)

Urbanization refers to the movement of people from rural to urban area. As per census 2011, 31% of Indian population lives in urban areas and set to increase to 40% by 2035 (world bank).

Peri-urban agriculture is the form of agriculture where agricultural produce are grown just outside urban areas.

Opportunities due to peri-urban agriculture:

Reduced transit – leading to reduction in wastage and reduced environmental emission.

Can serve as a means of agro-tourism for urban people.

Usage of water – may lead to water shortages for urban population.

Pressure on land resource – may be acquired for city expansion.

Emissions from agriculture – nitrogen, stubble burning deteriorate AQI of cities.

Challenges associated:

Adoption of techniques such as aquafarming, vertical farming, cold storage infrastructure development, food processing to reduce wastage (eg PMFME scheme).

Peri-urban agriculture offers opportunities for serving urban population but it needs to be supplemented with other techniques.