Explain what you understood by urban agriculture and state its types. Also, discuss its significance in the context of India. (Answer in 150 words)

Urban agriculture is production of grains and raising of animal in urban areas (city outskirts). Types of urban agriculture: i Nurseries - where general plant varieties are cultivated in protected environment. ii Vertical gardens - alongside major road, highway etc. iii Rooftop gardening - with the potential to create albedo effect. iv Green belt & urban forestry - alongside colonies, societies to leverage maximum benefits. v Urban beekeeping - to leverage benefit of additional income.

vi Kitchen garden & backyard gardening - to supply essential fruits & veggies. vii Aquaponics - using state of art technology, water from plants. Significance for India: i Decentralized production - to supplement existing aesthetic value of consumers. ii Sustainability - environmentally conscious practices. iii Gandhian philosophy for caring & loving nature, growing with nature. iv Employment generation - to boost additional jobs & livelihood opportunities. Municipalities across India are embracing the above measures to ensure effective land use pattern & is in line with SMART City Mission.