Research & reports

Zhuoran Yan, Wenbo Li, Lingxue Yu, X W Li, Kun Bu, HuanJun Liu · npj Urban Sustainability · China (Changchun)

This study investigated the summer impact of peri-urban agriculture (PUA) on surface urban heat island (SUHI) mitigation across China using time-series satellite observations and a coupled land-atmosphere model for Changchun City. It found that PUA management changes with urbanization pressure, and widespread agricultural marginalization near cities significantly impacts SUHI during summer. Larger cities derive less thermal benefit from PUA, although an agricultural intensification scenario showed a limited average cooling effect of 0.07–0.16 °C on urban cores.

L Cao, Jingsheng Wang, Yanbin Zhao (1549129), Shuping Zheng, Ruike Pan, Ruiqi An (19738761), Xuhui Yue, Yifan Wang (380120), Jianan Li (290570), Yan Liu (25061), Jie Wang (16762), Peng Wang (34436), Yangmei Mo, Ning Pan (186987), H. Z. Shi, Jiayin Dai (218672), Kun Zhang (108291) · Figshare · China (Shanghai)

An integrated assessment of agrochemical contamination in Shanghai's peri-urban agricultural surface waters across 193 sites revealed exceptionally high chemical diversity and mixture complexity. 91 pesticides and 263 formulation adjuvants were widely detected, with adjuvants showing comparable detection frequencies and response intensities to pesticides, indicating they are a major, underappreciated component of agrochemical pollution. In vivo zebrafish embryo assays showed that representative pesticides and adjuvants induced adverse developmental effects at environmentally relevant concentrations, identifying peri-urban agriculture as a critical source of complex agrochemicals.

Yan Gao, Shaowen Zheng, Yating Cao, Zhengwei Cao · Land · China

This study developed a multidimensional evaluation framework to assess urban modern agriculture (UMA) development across 36 large- and medium-sized cities in China from 2019 to 2023. Findings indicate UMA development has a relatively stable hierarchical structure, with leading cities maintaining advantages while most remain in middle and lower tiers with limited upward mobility. Four contextual city types were identified: balanced development, economically efficient, resource-constrained, and agricultural-potential cities, reflecting differences in socioeconomic and environmental capacities.

Pari Diwahar, Chandran. S, Paramasivan SatheeshKumar · International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology · India (Madurai District, Tamil Nadu)

This study in Kaluvankulam, Madurai District, India, assessed the adaptability of treated municipal wastewater for marigold irrigation, where paddy yields have declined. Analysis of treated wastewater showed oil and grease and chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels exceeded permissible irrigation standards. Soil analysis revealed elevated phosphorus, potassium, and iron concentrations, indicating nutrient accumulation.

Dr. Akbar Ahmed Sayyed, Mr. Huzef Aslam Patel · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India (Pune)

A study of 200 farm-gate entrepreneurs in Pune's peri-urban agriculture found that AI-driven "Demand Aggregators" and Blockchain-verified traceability increased farmer realization by 35% and reduced "Farm-to-Fork" transit time from 48 to 6 hours. Farmers in clusters like Saswad, Mulshi, and Narayangaon previously lost 30–40% of value due to logistical delays and intermediary margins. Predictive harvest forecasting allows farmers to pre-sell 70% of their yield.

Natta Sanjaya, Suci Iriani Sinuraya, Matheus Gratiano Mali, Anton Purwadi, Aenur Rif'an · Multidisciplinary Science Journal · Indonesia

This qualitative comparative study in Sleman Regency and Magelang Regency, Indonesia, analyzed food security conditions and the strategic role of women using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and document studies. Magelang Regency demonstrated superior food availability but faced significant challenges in economic access due to poverty, while Sleman Regency excelled in food access but experienced vulnerability in local availability due to massive agricultural land conversion. Women's roles differed according to regional context, with on-farm activities predominant in rural Magelang and off-farm roles including home-garden utilization in suburban Sleman.

Riski Arifin, T. Arriessa Sukhairi, Arief Gunawan, Syaubari, Rika Sri Utami, Nur Irhamni Sabrina, Okpri Meila, Dhea Nur Fadhilah · Jurnal Pengabdian Sains dan Rekayasa. · Indonesia

This activity designed, built, and implemented a solar-based hydroponic system in Gampong Barabung, Aceh Besar Regency, Indonesia, to introduce sustainable plant cultivation. An NFT hydroponic system with 120 planting holes was successfully integrated with a 150 Wp solar panel to power the nutrient circulation pump. The system operated well for vegetable cultivation, demonstrating the potential of integrating hydroponic technology and solar energy for efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practices at the village level.

Gitanjali Nanda · International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology · India (Bhubaneswar)

This study examined the spatial, institutional, and planning feasibility of integrating urban agriculture into the urban planning structure of Bhubaneswar, India. Using a mixed-method planning framework, it evaluated urban land availability, rooftop feasibility, food accessibility, supply-chain dependency, institutional readiness, and decentralized food-production potential. Findings indicated that urban agriculture integration within statutory planning systems remains limited in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities, and vendor assessments showed strong dependence on peri-urban and external food inflows contributing to seasonal price instability and food wastage.

Gang Wang · Agricultural History · China (Shanghai)

This historical analysis of Shanghai's vegetable supply system examines the limitations of peri-urban agriculture. In the early 1950s, Shanghai relied on distant rural areas for vegetables, shifting to suburban production in 1958 after rural sources were cut off. Efforts to sustain this suburban-centric system faced challenges, and government attempts to phase out the planned economy in the 1980s had limited effect. By the early 1990s, the suburban-centric system was abandoned, leading to a return to nonlocal vegetable predominance.

Resa Ramadhan, Fatimah Azzahra, Syifa Fauziah · JURNAL ILMIAH MAHASISWA AGROINFO GALUH · Indonesia

A quantitative study of Karangmukti Village, Bungursari District, Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia, analyzing the influence of livelihood capital on the livelihood resilience of farming households. The village has been undergoing agricultural land conversion: the agricultural land area was about 206 hectares before the change, roughly 30 hectares were converted in 2025 (mainly for industrial and residential development), leaving about 176 hectares, and further conversion is planned for 2026-2027, which may further reduce the amount of productive agricultural land. Samples of farming households were drawn using the Slovin formula and cluster sampling, with data collected via questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentation, and analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis and Smart-PLS. The results show that livelihood capital among farming households was at a moderate level, with natural capital as the most dominant component, and livelihood resilience was also categorized as moderate; livelihood capital was found to have a statistically significant positive influence on livelihood resilience.

Kulesh Bhandari · Open MIND · India

This first entry in a species documentation series on wild food forests in tribal Jharkhand, India, part of a Pollination Project-funded initiative, presents a field-based profile of Clerodendrum viscosum, a shrub of the Santhal Pargana uplands, recorded on a semi-open granite-laterite rise at 210 m elevation under conditions of 27°C, 30% relative humidity, a 15°C night low and wind gusts to about 35 kph. The profile documents microhabitat characteristics, morphology (bud, calyx, corolla, stamens), ethnobotanical use among Santhal-Paharia communities, and the species' ecological role as a pollinator-supporting, upland-stabilizing plant.

Hedwig Ajeng Grahani · GeoEco · Indonesia

A 2024 systematic survey of 217 urban farming households in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, used Stata 19 for hypothesis testing and SPSS 27 for descriptive statistics, running a multiple linear regression of net urban farming income against 22 variables covering sociodemographics, farm structure, input management, biotic stress and institutional support (R2 = 0.7448). Eleven variables had a significant effect, with farm size the most favorable factor, followed by financial support, seed subsidies and technical aid; gender and family size also showed positive effects. Crop type correlated negatively with income, and biotic stress — particularly pest type and severity — substantially reduced income, while training and market access were not statistically significant.

Herlyna Novasari Siahaan, Dilma’aarij Agustia, Chairia · Jurnal Abadimas Adi Buana · Indonesia

A community-service report on post-disaster recovery in Suka Damai village, Serdang Bedagai Regency, Indonesia, following repeated flooding that reduced agricultural production, household income and community health. Using a participatory approach combining a Climate Field School (SLI), bucket-based fish farming (budikdamber), urban farming and ecoprint training, the program evaluated 30 farmers from the Gapoktan Mekar farmer group with pre- and post-tests. Average scores rose from 58.6 to 78.9, a 34.6% increase, indicating improved knowledge and skills in climate-adaptive farm management. Budikdamber and urban farming were reported to improve household food security, while ecoprint training opened new environmentally friendly business opportunities for the local PKK (family welfare) group.

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.

N Suhana, Smitha Baby · Archives of Current Research International · India

This study in the Central region of Kerala, India, assessed the entrepreneurial potential of urban and peri-urban agri-enterprises across multiple dimensions. Using Principal Component Analysis, it identified strategic growth orientation and green innovation as key pillars, with marketing competence being the most significant dimension and ecological sustainability having the least impact. The Entrepreneurial Potential Index (EPI) showed that 66% of enterprises had a medium potential, and value-addition firms had the highest EPI, while aquaponics had the lowest.

Sheetal Patil, Simi John, Pooja Sagar, Narmada A. Khare, Kruthika Ganesh · · India

This book explores the integration of regenerative urban agriculture within sustainable cityscapes, using the IIHS Kengeri Campus in India as a case study. The campus functions as a 'living lab' for sustainable soil and water management, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and urban food production. By experimenting with interdisciplinary approaches, the book highlights innovative models for food and water security in rapidly urbanizing environments.

Haofan Xu, Peng Hu, Hailong Wang, Peter Croot, Zhiwen Li, Cheng Li, Shaowen Xie, Hongyi Zhou, Chaosheng Zhang · Environmental Pollution · China

This study in Gaoming county, China, integrated PMF and K-means clustering to identify sources and contamination patterns of 8 potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in peri-urban agricultural soils. Average concentrations of PTEs were reported, with PMF identifying geogenic, industrial/traffic-related, and agricultural sources. The highest PTE concentrations were found in urbanized zones, confirming significant human impact and underscoring the dual influences of agriculture and urbanization on PTE contamination.

Erwin Wisnubroto, Maurus Barrawiadi · JURNAL PERTANIAN · Indonesia (Batu)

This study in Batu City, Indonesia, evaluated the sustainability of agricultural production in three sub-districts—Batu, Junrejo, and Bumiaji—using the PROMETHEE method. Data were collected through FGDs, interviews with key stakeholders, and secondary statistical sources, analyzing five sustainability indicators including horticultural vegetables, biopharmaceutical crops, ornamental plants, fruit crops, and small farmer labor availability. The results showed that Bumiaji sub-district had the highest net flow value for sustainability, while Batu sub-district showed declining performance.

Durrotun Nafisah, Ika Purnamasari, Isnawati Isnawati, Zulfin Rachma Mufidah · Journal of Community Service and Empowerment · Indonesia

An ecopreneurship-based urban farming assistance program was implemented with the Karya Jaya 4 Farmers Group in Deket District, Indonesia, where agricultural land conversion reduced rice and fish production. The program provided training on hydroponic aquaponic systems and supported the construction of five backyard systems. This initiative increased participants' knowledge and skills, achieved an 85% success rate in system management, and contributed to increased household food production, income, and food security.

Laxman Barua, YOGITA ADHIKARI, Kuldeep Naik · International Journal of Agriculture and Nutrition · India (Prayagraj)

This research assessed heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils near the Naini industrial area in Prayagraj, India, and evaluated remediation strategies. Lead and cadmium concentrations at 0.5 km from the industrial zone exceeded Indian permissible limits (Pb: 67.8 mg/kg vs 50 mg/kg; Cd: 6.4 mg/kg vs 5 mg/kg). A pot trial showed that Brassica juncea removed 34.7% of Pb and 41.2% of Cd, while lime + biochar reduced Pb by 52.4%. A combined approach reduced bioavailable Pb to below the permissible limit.

Tantri Indriani Indriani · PANGRIPTA · Indonesia

Horticultural production dynamics in Malang Municipality, Indonesia, were analyzed from 2019 to 2023 using primary data from the Malang City Statistics Agency's Horticulture Statistics Report, covering four commodity groups: seasonal fruits and vegetables, annual fruits and vegetables, biopharmaceutical crops, and decorative plants. Significant fluctuations were found in harvested area and production, especially in seasonal crops such as oyster mushrooms and chili peppers sensitive to market prices and climate variability, alongside a downward trend in biopharmaceutical crops such as turmeric and ginger, a lemon production surge of over 1,100% between 2022 and 2023, and relative stability in the decorative plant sector.

Delly Salsabila Amanda, Rahmat Hidayatulah, Susilawati Susilawati · Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal Journal of Suboptimal Lands · Indonesia

A study evaluating the effects of compound NPK fertilizer dosage and a floating planting system on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth, set in South Sumatra, Indonesia—a region with significant potential for floating agricultural systems amid urban agriculture expanding under population pressure and climate change. Using a Randomized Block Design with four fertilizer treatments (control P0, and P1-P3 at 1.12, 2.24, and 3.36 g NPK compound per polybag) each replicated three times across 12 units, the study assessed plant height, leaf number, fresh plant weight, fresh and dry root weight, root length, leaf greenness, leaf area, and canopy area via analysis of variance and DMRT at 5%. The 2.24 g/polybag dose (P2) produced the most favorable growth and yield, with the highest mean values across all parameters, though the calculated optimum dose was 2.05 g/polybag, which the study recommends for subsequent research.

Ni Nyoman Serma Adi, Aditya Wirayudha, Dini Layali Apriliani, Elisa Kurnia Putri, Fitri Khaerunnisa, Ni Luh Putu Susi Ardiningsih, Nige Auliya Marga Utami, Putri Ayu, Ade Irma Cahyani, Dyah Rahayu · Suluh Pendidikan · Indonesia

An applied study using a SMART-based participatory training design examined urban farming as a way to improve food security in Desa Dauh Peken, Indonesia, a densely populated village with limited farmland vulnerable to food price fluctuations and supply disruption. Hands-on participatory training—covering cultivation on limited land, environmentally friendly farming methods, and implementation support—was delivered to 21 members of the village's Women Farmers Group (KWT). In evaluation, 61.9% of respondents reported satisfaction with the educational outcomes, and 71.4% reported the training achieved its food-security goal and had a strong environmental/sustainability impact.

Namitha Krishna, N A, Parvathy Sasikumar, Shiv Ganesh · Environment and Ecology · India

India's population is projected to exceed 1.5 billion by 2050, and growing urbanization and industrialization are expected to substantially increase water demand and wastewater generation. Domestic and industrial use currently account for 15% of India's water reserves, a share projected to rise to 30% by 2050. Treated wastewater is described as an increasingly important resource for peri-urban agriculture, while untreated wastewater is described as posing serious environmental and health risks from toxic metals, micro-contaminants, and pathogens. This review surveys recent developments in wastewater treatment for agricultural reuse, covering both conventional sequential treatment stages that remove solids, organic matter, and other pollutants, and advanced technologies that target specific contaminants such as xenobiotics and persistent organic pollutants.

Dinesh Kumar, Abhishek Ranjan, Mahendra Sharma, Sanoj Kumar, Vishnu Ji Awasthi, Anshu Kumari, Ramesh Kumar Sahni, Ananya Rai, Krishna Murari, Shilpi Kumari, S. Paswan, Kushwaha Abhijeet · Journal of Scientific Research and Reports · India

A trial at the College of Agricultural Engineering, Ara, Bihar, India (November 2024-March 2025) used a randomized block design with six replications to test drip irrigation on Indra capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) grown on a rooftop. Drip irrigation produced greater plant height, more leaves and flowers, an average of 21.3 fruits per plant, fruit length of 67.2 mm, fruit weight of 79.81 g and yield of 3.52 kg/plant, while saving about 75-80% of water compared with conventional irrigation at a water-use efficiency of 9.2 kg/m³, and yield increased 10-15% over yields typically observed with traditional irrigation methods.