Characterization of urban and peri-urban agricultural production systems and soil heavy metal signatures in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India

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Rapid urbanization in developing countries significantly impacts the social, economic, and ecological dynamics among urban residents. Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA), endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations (UN), faces criticism for its intensive production methods and safety concerns. The UPA production system in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) remains under-researched. A baseline survey conducted in 2010, involving 165 households, aimed to characterize various UPA systems in MMR, focusing on socio-economic, demographic, migratory, and production-related features. The study identified five main UPA systems: railway gardens, balcony gardens, terrace gardens, farms, and 'Tabelas'—enclosures for rearing buffaloes and cows for milk. A diverse array of vegetables, fruits, plantation crops, and flowers thrive in these systems. Notably, 79% of railway gardens were managed by migrants. Farms and railway gardens commonly used mineral fertilizers and pesticides, while balcony and terrace gardens did not. Railway gardens relied heavily on wastewater for irrigation, accounting for 98% of their water usage, while other systems used well water and tap water. Labor shortages pose challenges for UPA in MMR, but marketing channels remain well-organized. Overall, UPA systems enhance food security and employment opportunities on limited land while facilitating organic waste recycling.