Research & reports

Sri Widayanti, Mirza Andrian Syah, Nia Amalia · Nusantara Science and Technology Proceedings · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A study examines factors influencing the sustainability of Gallus gallus domesticus (chicken) farming at Jago Karah Farm Community (JKF), one of the urban farming enterprises in Surabaya, Indonesia, which faces complex challenges including limited land and waste management issues, high feed costs and limited production capacity, members leaving the community, underused technology, and institutional aspects needing strengthening. Conducted in February-March 2025 using a saturated sample of all 30 farmer members of JKF, data were collected through field observations and questionnaire-based interviews and analyzed with multiple linear regression in SPSS. Results show that ecological, economic, social, technological and institutional factors simultaneously had a positive and significant effect on farm sustainability, with an explanatory contribution of 99.7%. Partially, the social factor had the greatest influence, followed by technology, institutions, economy and ecology.

K. C. Sahu · International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management & Applied Science · India

A study in Bhubaneswar, India — chosen because many farmers there grow vegetables on rooftops — analyzed the cost-benefit ratio of rooftop vegetable cultivation using compost, vermicompost, coco peat and organic fertilizers, combining experimental and survey methods. Its stated aim was to assess the economic benefits of rooftop vegetable growing for urban residents; the abstract gives no specific cost-benefit figures, stating only that urban residents can obtain fresh organic vegetables at marginal expense and that rising profit is said to increase the perception of rooftop farming among urban people.

Budi Hartono, Axel Giovanni, Muchammad Khusni Wafa, Mu'alfad Zulfikar Purwanto, Mirna Harsono · COMMUNITY Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

This is a community engagement program, not an outcomes study, aimed at micro-enterprises in food security and urban farming in Indonesia that face limited business management capacity, scarce resources, and insufficient technical knowledge. Partnering with Fita Farm for its expertise in integrated agriculture, the program delivers training, hands-on mentoring, and continuous evaluation toward goals of improved business management, increased income, and greater resilience, but the abstract does not report achieved results.

Asri Jum’atul Aziza, Nanik Setyowati, Yulian Yulian, Widodo Widodo, Wuri Prameswari · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Indonesia

This two-factor (variety × growing-medium composition) completely randomized experiment, conducted in the Agronomy Laboratory Greenhouse at the University of Bengkulu, Indonesia, tested how cocopeat-to-rice-husk-biochar ratios affect nitrogen uptake, growth, yield, and flavonoid content of mint (Mentha spp.) grown in a drip-irrigated substrate hydroponic system. Three varieties (Spearmint, Chocolate Mint, Apple Mint) were tested against four medium compositions (80% cocopeat + 20% biochar through 20% cocopeat + 80% biochar), analyzed by ANOVA (5% significance) and LSD test. Variety and medium composition interacted significantly on growth parameters: Apple Mint showed the greatest stem diameter at 60% cocopeat + 40% biochar, the highest dry weight and nitrogen uptake at 20% cocopeat + 80% biochar, and the highest flavonoid content at 40% cocopeat + 60% biochar, while Chocolate Mint produced the highest fresh and dry root weights at 80% cocopeat + 20% biochar, showing that response to substrate composition depends on variety.

Beni Hasibuan · Crop Life · Indonesia

This study evaluated the effects of bamboo biochar application and varying concentrations of bamboo vinegar on the growth, sensory quality, and iron (Fe) content of red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) microgreens. Using cocopeat as the growing medium, a 2×6 factorial completely randomized experiment combined biochar presence/absence with bamboo vinegar concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ppm. No significant interaction between biochar and bamboo vinegar was detected. Biochar application significantly improved overall growth and sensory attributes compared with no biochar. Bamboo vinegar significantly affected plant height and fresh biomass, with the highest responses at 200-800 ppm for height and 800 ppm for fresh weight. Iron content ranged from 202.09 to 481.66 ppm on a fresh-weight basis, and the study notes this water-content-dependent measure limits direct comparison with studies reporting dry-weight values.

Dwinanda Ripta Ramadhan, Supartini, Susilaningtyas Budiana Kurniawati · PROFICIO · Indonesia

A community outreach program in Indonesia (PROFICIO, 2026) applied Participatory Action Research—assessment, intensive training, coaching, and periodic evaluation—to help urban farming groups shift from consumers to micro-scale commercial producers through crop diversification, financial management, and digital marketing. Reported outcomes were skill gains in diversified cultivation, separation of household and business cash accounts, and creation of a digital brand on social media and local marketplaces; the program's expected increase in group revenue was stated as a goal, not a measured result.

Nia Amalia, Sri Widayanti, Mirza Andrian Syah · JURNAL ILMIAH PETERNAKAN TERPADU · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A feasibility study of the Balitbangtan superior free-range chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) farming business run by the Jago Karah Farm (JKF) urban farming community in Surabaya, Indonesia (2026), used qualitative descriptive analysis for market, technical, and environmental aspects and quantitative income analysis with the R/C Ratio for financial feasibility. JKF was found to have clear market segmentation and a functioning marketing mix; the operation remains micro-scale with only partial technology adoption; environmentally it was assessed as feasible, producing no unpleasant odors and managing waste properly; and financially it was profitable, with an average income of IDR 4,069,888 and an R/C Ratio of 1.7. The study notes JKF still faces limited technology, high feed costs, and a narrow marketing reach.

D Darto, Nunung Cipta Dainy, Helfi Gustia, Raisa Ardiyanti, Farah Aurellia Sasikirana, Niken Wulandari Dyrin, Graiseld Raissa Erwanto · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A community outreach activity carried out in August-September 2025 with the Hidroponik Generik farming group in Pesanggrahan, Jakarta, Indonesia, introduced an IoT-integrated solar power system and accompanying equipment, training and mentoring to reduce the electricity costs of a hydroponic system. An 800 Wp solar panel generating 1,400 Wh per day was confirmed able to power a rack-based hydroponic system with 1,000 planting holes, IoT monitoring let partners track water quality via smartphone, and the program reported cutting electricity operating costs by 30%.

Dina Oktavia, Yuni Amelia, Fitri Ammara Azhar, Radha Alizha, Widya Natasya, Nayla Putri Abdullah · Warta Dharmawangsa · Indonesia

Using descriptive qualitative methods combining literature review, observation, and interviews with urban farmers, mainly in Medan, Indonesia, and other major cities, this study analyzed urban farming business opportunities built on organic waste management as a form of green entrepreneurship. Converting organic waste into compost was found to reduce production costs, increase soil fertility, and support a circular economy, making urban farming a potentially profitable and environmentally friendly business opportunity. Young people play a strategic role in this development through innovation, digital technology use, and strengthening community networks, but limited knowledge, capital, and policy support remain ongoing challenges.

Intan Ratri Prasundari, Setyo Tri Wahyudi, Anthon Efani, Reny Tiarantika · Agrisocionomics Jurnal Sosial Ekonomi Pertanian · Indonesia

A study assessed the sustainability status of seven types of urban agriculture in Malang City, Indonesia — irrigated agricultural land, rainfed dryland farming, recreational activity, community gardening, commercial farming, agro-educational tourism, and institutional farming — using multidimensional scaling with the RAPHYTON tool. Primary data came from expert and supporting informant interviews plus field surveys and observation. Results showed the sustainability level of urban agriculture types in Malang City was generally in the "moderately sustainable" category. The ecological dimension of irrigated agricultural land was classified as unsustainable, while agro-educational tourism achieved the highest sustainability status, rated sustainable in the social dimension.

Muhammad Prakarsa Al Qadr Saleh, Djibran Dirgantara, Adhita Arif Setyawan · Dinasti Information and Technology · Indonesia

A study for the "Buruan SAE" (Healthy, Natural, Economical) urban farming program in Maleer, Bandung City, Indonesia, designed and developed a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce website to address marketing and sales problems previously handled through word-of-mouth and manual paper-based records. Citing suboptimal market penetration, stock uncertainty for prospective buyers, and high financial-loss risk given vegetables' perishability, the project used a risk-driven Spiral model methodology, collecting data through interviews, observation, and literature study. Business process analysis identified four main problem areas: product publication, stock management, ordering and transactions, and financial recording. The study reports that a structured web-based e-commerce system can shorten the distribution chain, ensure catalog-stock synchronization, and minimize manual recording errors.

· Wikipedia · India

This Wikipedia article gives an overview of Indian agriculture. It states that agriculture employs more than 50% of India's workforce and contributes 20.2% to GDP per the 2020–21 Economic Survey, while productivity remains 30–60% of that in developed countries. The article does not specifically address urban farming, focusing instead on structural issues such as infrastructure gaps and farmer suicides.

· Wikipedia · Taiwan

The Wikipedia article 'Agriculture in Taiwan' summarizes Taiwan's agricultural sector. As of 2023, agriculture accounts for 1.51% of GDP with an output value of roughly NT$35.1 billion; there were about 760,000 farm households in 2022, and food self-sufficiency stood at 35% in 2020. The article notes Taiwan's growing vertical farming sector, including iFarm in Taoyuan, described as Asia's largest vertical farm as of 2018.

· Wikipedia · Taiwan

The Wikipedia article on Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture traces its lineage: the Council of Agriculture was formed under the Executive Yuan in 1984, and in May 2023 the Legislative Yuan passed the Organic Act elevating it to full ministry status as the Ministry of Agriculture, overseeing agriculture, forestry, fishery, animal husbandry and food affairs.

Liu Q., Chen T., Zhang N., Lin Z., Ye Z., Jiang K., Gao Y., Guo Y., Weng A. · Energy (Elsevier), 320:135191 · China (Yangtze River Delta)

A quantitative assessment of rooftop agrivoltaics (RAV) — co-locating solar PV and crops on building rooftops — against the SDGs. For the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (~10,720 km² of rooftops) it estimates ~93.1 TWh/year of electricity (6.3% of regional demand), ~43.6 Mt/year of lettuce, large job creation, and ~127 Mt/year of CO2 reduction, positioning RAV as a multifunctional urban land-use that pairs 'zero food miles' food production with clean energy.

· Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · China (North China Plain)

Analyzes urban expansion and loss of potential crop yield in the North China Plain (1980–2020) and its implications for regional food security, noting much new urban land came from converted farmland.

· Nature Food · China

A geospatial analysis of renewable-fuelled plant factories across China's city-level regions. It finds they can secure large-scale vegetable supply but require a low-carbon energy transition to deliver environmental benefits.

· Sustainability · China (Chongqing)

A life cycle assessment of a large industrial aquaponics system in Chongqing, China, evaluating environmental performance and identifying optimization strategies.

· Sustainability · China

A study exploring the multifaceted value of urban agriculture in China based on three urban agriculture case studies.

Chang X., Yan X., Lv F., Zhang Y., Breeze T. D., Li X. · Insects · Hanzhong, China

Documents pollinator resources and pollination networks in Hanzhong City, China, recording 80 pollinator species and 59 pollinated crop and wild nectar plant species, and evaluates the economic value of pollination services.

Prabhu, S., Costa, M., Al-Rasheed, A., Kariuki, N. · Springer Environmental Economics · Asia

Analysis of 42 commercial vertical farms in emerging markets. Capital investment ranges $500-2,000/m². Profitability achieved within 5-7 years in high-income markets and 7-10 years in emerging economies.

Elnazir Ramadan, Suliman Zakaria Suliman Abdalla, Ali Al Ahbabi, Tarig Gibreel, Naeema Al Hosani · City and Environment Interactions · Asia

This study explored factors influencing agricultural technology adoption among small-scale urban farmers in pre-urban areas of the arid Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Using a structured questionnaire and ordinal logistic regression, it identified performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, trust, and cultural norms as key drivers of adoption. Perceived risk negatively influenced adoption, while compatibility was not statistically significant.

Yati Sri Hayati, Sitawati Sitawati, Annisa Wuri Kartika, Niko Dima Kristianingrum, Sri Soenarti, Velinda Dewi Lutfiana, Risma Dwi Rahmawati, Herdyana Lintang Sari, Tria Armannaena, Nurliza Prita Arfiati · Kontribusi Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Malang)

This study evaluated whether interventions of knowledge and community empowerment could improve the effectiveness of urban farming for the elderly in the Kurnia Lestari farmer group in Malang City, Indonesia. Intervention activities were conducted using a community empowerment model, including agricultural assistance, health education, ergonomic exercises, and health checks. Results showed an average increase of 5 kg in agricultural products per harvest due to changes in planting media and land settings. The activity is concluded to enhance the economic value of urban elderly groups through increased product and harvest quality, and improved quality of life for the elderly.

Baskoro Tri Julianto, Budi Indra Setiawan, Satyanto Krido Saptomo, Liyantono Liyantono · Jurnal Keteknikan Pertanian · Indonesia

This study in Indonesia developed and tested a portable Minapadi (paddy and fish) culture model for urban farming over one season (99 days). The model, using automatic irrigation without electricity, showed an irrigation water consumption of 738 mm with 54% efficiency. It achieved land productivity of 3.62 tons/ha for rice and water productivity of 0.96 kg/m³, with a fish survival rate of 85% and total production of 3.34 kg. The model generated a total revenue of IDR44,044.76/m³.

Sriyanto Sriyanto, Eva Banowati, Edi Kurniawan, Fikri Amrullah, Ervando Tommy Al-Hanif · Society Jurnal Pengabdian dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat · Indonesia (Karimunjawa)

This participatory urban farming program in Karimunjawa, Indonesia, aimed to improve community welfare and food security by empowering village women and youth to utilize their yards. Through socialization, training, and mentoring in techniques like polybag farming and composting, the program increased community farming skills. Evaluation via surveys, interviews, and observations showed most participants successfully applied techniques, producing food for consumption and experiencing economic benefits and improved food availability.