Imagine being in one of India’s bustling cities, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the constant hum of honking cars. Amid this urban chaos, there lies an overlooked yet powerful solution to some of India’s biggest problems: the humble homegarden. These small plots of land around homes have been part of India’s tradition for centuries, quietly feeding families and contributing to livelihoods. But their true value goes beyond food—homegardens are emerging as vital tools in the fight against hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recognize their importance, particularly in developing countries like India, where access to fresh, nutritious food remains a challenge for many.

More than just food

Homegardens have been a lifeline for millions of families across India, providing a reliable source of vegetables, fruits, and medicinal  plants. However, their benefits extend far beyond household nutrition. “Homegardens serve as essential sources of fresh produce for families, reducing the need to rely on markets for basic food needs,” says a nutrition expert. “They also enhance food security by ensuring access to diverse and healthy foods right at the doorstep.” Several government initiatives, such as the National Horticulture Mission and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, have tried to promote the idea of homegardens by providing financial support to smallholders and marginal farmers. These programs aim to boost horticultural production and empower families to grow their own food. Yet, the full potential of these initiatives remains untapped. “There’s more that can be done to truly unlock the power of homegardens,” experts say, noting that better infrastructure, credit access, and training are key to scaling up this
practice.

A multistrata homegarden in Kerala, India

The fight against hunger and malnutrition

India’s hunger problem is no secret. The country ranked 111th out of 125 nations in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, revealing a grave need for effective, sustainable solutions. According to the National Family Health Survey (2019-2021), 36% of children under five are stunted, 19% are wasted, and 32% are underweight. Among adult, 57% of women and 25% of men are anaemic. These alarming statistics highlight the widespread issue of malnutrition across rural India. By growing fresh fruits and vegetables at home, families can improve their diets and reduce the risk of malnutrition. During the COVID-19 pandemic, homegardens proved to be a lifeline in many rural regions. In states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, planned cropping cycles ensured a consistent supply of vegetables, even during strict lockdowns. These gardens were especially beneficial for landless and poor women, who were able to save INR
2000–3000 annually on food expenses, with 20% of households selling surplus produce for an additional INR 1000–2000.

Linking homegardens to markets

While homegardens have traditionally focused on household consumption, experts argue they have untapped potential as sources of income. If linked to local markets, homegardeners could sell their surplus produce, boosting their incomes and helping reduce poverty. Homegardens are a hidden economic opportunity. “With the right infrastructure, these small-scale growers could reach local markets, adding to their income while contributing to local food security.”

But challenges persist. Lack of infrastructure, poor access to markets, and significant postharvest losses prevent many homegardeners from scaling up. Addressing these issues will require investments in storage facilities, transport networks, and market linkages. The government should focus on building these systems so that homegarden produce can become a reliable source of income.

Contributing to global goals

Homegardens also align closely with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering solutions to multiple development challenges.

They contribute to:

SDG 2: Zero Hunger by improving food security and providing nutrient-dense foods to vulnerable households.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through access to pesticide-free, locally grown produce that enhances nutrition.
SDG 5: Gender Equality by empowering women, who are often the primary caretakers of homegardens.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by greening urban spaces and promoting local food production

These gardens became particularly important during the pandemic, when global supply chains were disrupted. Local food production provided a buffer against food shortages, making homegardens an integral part of resilient food systems. Yet despite their contributions, homegardens received limited attention in major global frameworks like the United Nations Decade on Nutrition (2016–2025). This lack of focus represents a disconnect between research findings on the importance of homegardens and the broader policy response.

Traditional wisdom in Northeast India

Homegardens are not new to India. In the northeastern region, they have long been a part of the agricultural landscape, based on the indigenous knowledge and skills of local communities. Around 80% of the population in this region depends on agriculture for their livelihood, and homegardens are central to this system. The Northeast region has a rich diversity of traditional agroforestry systems, where paddy and other food grains dominate. However, homegardens supplement this with a mix of fruit trees, medicinal plants, and livestock, enhancing food security while preserving biodiversity. “These traditional systems have been sustainable for
generations,” says an expert in indigenous farming practices. “But they are now under threat from deforestation, climate change, and land degradation.” According to Global Forest Watch, between 2001 and 2021, the region lost 2.07 million hectares of tree cover. Uncontrolled grazing and extreme rainfall have further exacerbated land degradation, putting traditional homegarden systems at risk. Scientific research and policy reform are needed to protect these
traditional practices, calling for urgent interventions to make homegardens in the northeast more resilient and productive.

A missed opportunity

Homegardens represent a largely untapped resource in India’s quest for sustainable development. Despite their potential to combat hunger, improve health, and boost local economies, they have not yet received the attention they deserve. India’s commitment to
sustainability, exemplified by the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement presented at COP 27, emphasizes mindful consumption and the deliberate use of natural resources. Homegardens align perfectly with this ethos, offering a sustainable way to produce food,
reduce reliance on markets, and improve local biodiversity.

India has a massive opportunity here; by investing in homegardens, we can address multiple challenges—hunger, poverty, and sustainability—simultaneously.” The time has come for
India to recognize the value of homegardens and provide the support needed to maximize their potential. In doing so, the country can take a significant step toward achieving a more
sustainable and food-secure future.

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Views expressed above are the author's own.

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