Terrace farming finds new roots in Telangana’s urban homes

Hyderabad’s skyline is changing in unexpected ways. Alongside concrete towers and glass facades, a quieter revolution is unfolding — terrace farming. What was once a rural practice has now become a thriving urban movement, with residents cultivating everything from tomatoes and chillies to exotic herbs and fruits on their rooftops and balconies.

The shift is driven by health concerns and a growing mistrust of market vegetables, often suspected of containing pesticides and chemicals. For many, terrace farming is not just about food security but also about reclaiming control over what they eat. “Terrace gardens have increased in our city over the past ten years, especially due to adulteration of vegetables and hazardous chemicals like methyl bromide. This method of farming is the best alternative,” said Jayalakshmi, a former IT employee turned terrace farming consultant.

Rows of plants flourish at the terrace garden of the Telangana Horticulture Training Institute in Hyderabad.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR

Srinivas Konidana, an IT professional from Khammam, now cultivates cardamom, clove, cinnamon, rosemary, pepper, tea and coffee plants, cocoa, and even peanut butter fruit (Bunchosia glandulifera).

Government initiatives are adding momentum. Telangana Horticulture department’s awareness programme Mana Illu Mana Kuragayalu (“Our Home, Our Vegetables”) trains citizens to set up terrace farms. “Organic farming plays a vital role in our health, and the young generation are the key players who can drive this idea forward. Our survey showed significant interest among young adults in cultivating vegetables on rooftops and balconies,” said B. Manga, Horticulture officer, Urban Farming.

The movement is not limited to sustenance crops. A growing number of urban farmers are experimenting with biodiversity preservation, cultivating rare herbs and exotic fruits alongside everyday vegetables. This blend of tradition and innovation is creating a vibrant ecosystem within city homes, reshaping urban living.