From Greywater to Grow Towers: Experts Explore Future of Urban Farming in Bengaluru

Urban gardening can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable living, reducing household waste, conserving water, and reconnecting people with food production, but it should complement rather than replace conventional farming, experts said during the fifth edition of the Public Talk Series on "Urban Farming and Greening - The Science for Sustainable Urban Living" held at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK campus in Bengaluru.

Organised by the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST Cluster) in collaboration with the Bangalore Apartments' Federation, the event brought together scientists, urban farming practitioners, sustainability advocates and residents to discuss the future of food production in rapidly urbanising cities.

The panel featured noted experts Dr Chennareddy Aswath, Dr Rajendra Hegde, Prof. Sheshshayee Sreeman and Dr Shiva Prakash, who addressed a range of issues including terrace gardening, safe food production, water conservation, composting, pesticide use and emerging farming technologies.

One of the major themes of the discussion was the potential reuse of treated greywater generated in apartment complexes. Experts said water from bathrooms, kitchens, handwashing areas and washing machines can be effectively utilised for gardening and landscaping when managed properly.

The speakers noted that concerns about heavy metals and harmful contaminants in treated greywater are often overstated. Instead, factors such as sodium concentration and overall water quality require closer monitoring. They pointed out that wastewater has been used for agriculture in parts of Karnataka for decades, demonstrating its potential as a valuable resource amid growing water scarcity.

The discussion also highlighted composting as an important component of urban sustainability. Experts advised apartment residents to segregate waste at source and compost vegetable and fruit waste while avoiding cooked food leftovers, which are more likely to attract rodents and create odour issues.

Dr Chennareddy Aswath encouraged urban residents to start small by growing leafy vegetables, herbs and other easy-to-maintain crops in balconies and terraces. He explained that such crops require less sunlight, less growing medium and shorter cultivation periods, making them suitable for beginners.

The panel stressed that urban gardening should not be viewed solely through the lens of food production. Apart from providing fresh produce, gardening can improve mental well-being, increase biodiversity, reduce screen time and create awareness about the challenges faced by farmers.

Speaking on food safety, the experts addressed concerns about pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. While cautioning against indiscriminate use of agricultural chemicals, they said consumers should not develop unnecessary fear about conventionally grown produce. Proper washing and responsible agricultural practices remain important, they noted.

Dr Rajendra Hegde highlighted the importance of understanding the long-term environmental impact of excessive pesticide use and called for greater adoption of safer farming practices and informed consumer choices.

The event also showcased innovative technologies aimed at making urban farming more accessible. Bengaluru-based agri-tech startup Agrowitz displayed its AI-powered Grow Towers designed for compact urban spaces. The system combines hydroponics and artificial intelligence to enable residents to grow vegetables and leafy greens using significantly less water than conventional farming.

Agrowitz founder Bharathi Athinarayanan delivered a flash talk on the role of technology in hyperlocal food production, while award-winning organic terrace farmer Pratima Adiga conducted a demonstration session, sharing practical insights into home gardening and sustainable cultivation practices.

Experts also discussed protected cultivation, vertical farming and greenhouse technologies that can improve resource efficiency. However, they cautioned that several high-investment vertical farming ventures have struggled commercially, underscoring the need for locally adapted and economically viable solutions.

Concluding the session, the speakers urged urban residents to view gardening as a broader environmental responsibility rather than merely a hobby. They encouraged citizens to create greener spaces, reuse water responsibly, compost household waste and contribute to biodiversity conservation, even in small apartment settings.

"Urban gardening is not about replacing farmers. It is about understanding food systems, respecting natural resources and making cities more sustainable," the experts emphasised.