URBAN FARMING AND THE GIG ECONOMY: A REVIEW OF BOTANY-DRIVEN INNOVATIONS IN VERTICAL FARMING AND MICRO-GREEN CULTIVATION

Urban farming and the gig economy are reshaping modern agriculture, particularly through innovations in micro-green cultivation and vertical farming. Micro-greens—nutrient-dense immature greens harvested within 7–14 days—are gaining global recognition for their superior phytonutrient content, disease-preventive properties, and sustainability. This review explores the nutritional advantages of micro-greens, comparing traditional soil-based methods with advanced hydroponic and aeroponic systems to assess their efficiency, cost, and scalability. The rise of urban micro-green farming in India is fueled by increasing consumer demand, urbanization, and gig workforce integration, leading to profitable small-scale agribusiness ventures. Additionally, this paper highlights emerging trends, technological advancements, and successful Indian micro-green entrepreneurs, demonstrating the transformative potential of botany-driven innovations in urban agriculture. By leveraging vertical farming technologies and gig-based farming models, micro-green cultivation presents a sustainable and economically viable solution to urban food security challenges.