With growing urbanization (peri-urban agriculture) emerging as a significant contributor which can help farm produce needs. In this context, discuss the opportunities associated with promoting peri-urban agriculture in a sustainable manner.

Opportunities: (1) Food supply and demand management - is census 2011; 31% population in urban areas. (2) Entrepreneurship opportunities - by many entrepreneurs emerging in peri-urban agriculture (eg organic products). (3) Usage of limited spaces - urban rooftops, urban gardens, vertical farming, hydroponics etc. (4) Sustainable farm produce and food supply

Challenges associated: (1) Limited land availability and water scarcity (eg Delhi drinking water crisis 2024.) (2) Lack of adequate skills and knowledge. (3) Overexploitation and overset of fertilisers. (4) Urban heat island effect - reducing productivity. Way forward: (1) RRD is peri-urban agriculture (2) Promote start-ups in this field. (3) Integrate with food processing (4) Enhance export and GCP contribution. Peri-urban agriculture has potential to fulfil SDG 2 (eliminating hunger) and SDG 11 (resilient & sustainable cities).