Thane Municipal Corporation Launches Urban Organic Farming Project to Promote Sustainable Living

Thane, July 1, 2025 — In a pioneering step towards sustainable urban living, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has launched an experimental organic farming project on a 1.5-acre plot of civic-owned land in Patlipada, along the bustling Ghodbunder Road. This initiative marks a first-of-its-kind effort by any urban local body within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region—and possibly across Maharashtra.

Spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the project stems from his vision shared earlier this year at the Vrikshavalli Exhibition. He encouraged urban local bodies to set a precedent in promoting green practices and chemical-free farming within city limits. The TMC responded promptly, rolling out the project in April under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao and the corporation’s gardens department.

A Model for Urban Agriculture
 

“The goal is simple yet impactful: to create a self-sustaining, educational urban farm that promotes organic cultivation and eco-friendly living,” said a senior civic official involved in the project.

A crop plan was prepared after analyzing the soil and weather conditions of the Patlipada plot. Today, it supports a variety of vegetables such as brinjal, tomato, okra, cabbage, sweet potato, yam, amaranthus, and fenugreek. There are even designated sections for rice and gram cultivation—rare sights in urban settings.

A Green Oasis in the City
 

To enhance the biodiversity and educational appeal of the farm, fruit-bearing trees including mango, banana, lemon, fig, coconut, custard apple, and pomegranate have been planted. Additionally, a man-made pond now enriches the premises, home to water lilies and fish, giving the space the feel of a countryside oasis in the heart of the city.

Officials revealed that while the produce is still in the growing phase, the farm is expected to blossom into a lush green space in the coming months. Plans are also underway to introduce poultry and livestock, making the farm more interactive for visitors and a hands-on educational experience for students, residents, and nature enthusiasts.

Education, Awareness, and Giving Back
 

One of the key objectives of the initiative is to educate the urban population—many of whom have little or no exposure to farming. The project aims to inspire citizens to adopt balcony farming, terrace gardening, and small-scale composting in their own homes.

“All crops grown on the farm will be donated to orphanages and old-age homes, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative reach those in need,” the official added.

Public Access and Engagement

The organic farm is now open to the public Monday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and is expected to become a local hotspot for educational visits and environmental workshops.

A Step Towards Greener Cities

With this move, the Thane Municipal Corporation has taken a bold step in addressing the twin challenges of food sustainability and urban ecological awareness. As the farm grows, it is likely to become a template for other cities across India looking to blend agriculture with urban development.