Pune township takes up 'urban agriculture'

Pune (PTI): A unique concept of urban agriculture is taking shape on a massive stretch of land in a mega township which is part of the burgeoning metropolis. Spread across 700 acres, 'Nanded city', which houses a population of about 10,000 residents, launched a green project coinciding with the World Environment Day on June 5. The venture envisages growing vegetables, fruits, medicinal and aromatic plants and flowers to cater the needs of the local residents. "For sustainable agriculture, the principles of organic farming, poly-culture in place of mono-culture, crop rotation, use of recycled water, compost, integrated pest management and sericulture will be put in use. All types of trees, shrubs and grass crops will be planted in multi-level planting, ensuring optimum use of inputs and increasing sustainability," Chairman and Managing Director of the Nanded project Satish Magar said. Explaining salient features of the urban agriculture within the city to a group of visiting journalists, he said, "An extensive plantation of coconut, guava and amla orchards in addition to about 5,000 mango trees has been undertaken in the eco-supporting drive to mark the World Environment Day."