Urban spaces can be innovatively used for food production. They can help city dwellers rethink their connection with food ecosystems and land in the process. Educational institutions provide a unique opportunity conducive to integrating food security as part of its curriculum as well as outreach activities. The IIT Gandhinagar organic farm is a testament to the possibilities of community-driven and locally supported farming in urban and peri-urban places.

These are kohlrabi (ganth gobi) vegetables, these are fenugreek, in between there is spinach, coriander. Look these are red carrots, those are turnips and those are beetroots…’ went on Shantu Pindoriya while walking across the farm. To say that Shantu Pindoriya knows every plant on the farm, would not be an exaggeration. I was walking behind her as she went around the space, describing everything that was growing in the area.