Why urban farming matters
Every morning I wake up to the sounds of birds and the lowing of cows, before the joined calls from a nearby church and mosque, and later the distant honking of traffic enter the soundscape. That contrast pretty much defines my life at our Jacob & Klooster Farms in Thalambur.
I am an urban farmer by choice, conviction, and a fair amount of stubborn hope, while also continuing my journey as a university teacher in health, natural sciences and innovation. Living and farming in the city is not the easiest path, but it is one deeply fullfilling and I believe the future depends on it.
We did not set out to become an urban farm. We were simply farming, living close to the land in Thalambur, long before Chennai expanded to meet our boundaries. Over time, roads, buildings, and concrete slowly wrapped themselves around what was once open space, barren grassland. In 15 years time, the city rapidly grew around us. Almost without realizing it, we found ourselves becoming something rare and deeply needed: a working lifestyle farm inside a growing city.
When the city arrived at our doorstep
As urbanisation accelerated, the relationship between land and people underwent a profound shift. The natural flow of water, once uninterrupted, became obstructed and compromised. For five long years, we endured water stagnation caused by disrupted waterways, which severely affected the health of our plants and trees—an unfortunate consequence of unplanned urban expansion. It was one of the toughest phases we have ever faced, testing our patience and resolve.
Yet, after persistent effort, the problem was finally resolved. Water is now flowing back into the nearby lake, and our remaining trees have been spared. There are still challenges ahead, but seeing the water finally make its way from our farm into the natural lake felt like a tremendous victory—a vivid reminder that persistence, hope, and care for the land are never wasted.
The realities of farming within a city
Becoming an urban farm was not a choice we made—it was a reality we adapted to. And adaptation in a city like Chennai comes at a cost. Expenses are significantly higher than in nearby villages: land value, labour, maintenance, compliance, and daily operations all demand more. Despite these challenges, we chose not to give up. Instead, we chose to redefine what a farm can mean in an urban landscape.
Biodiversity in the middle of concrete
Today, Jacob & Klooster Farms stands as a small but powerful ecosystem. Biodiversity here is lived, not spoken about. Native plants thrive, birds, reptiles, mammals, fireflies and pollinators return, and the soil tells a story of regeneration. In a city where green spaces are shrinking, the farm has become a refuge—for nature and for people.
A global conversation we are part of
What we experience locally is now being discussed globally. The UN Sustainable Development Goals, ongoing COP meetings, and particularly COP 15 in Montreal, which I attended, have brought biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable food systems into sharp focus. Urban farming—whether planned or evolved—directly supports these global goals. It strengthens food security, reduces environmental impact, restores ecosystems, and reconnects urban populations to the source of their nourishment.
Growing more than food
Over time, Jacob & Klooster Farms has grown into something beyond agriculture. We are nurturing a space for community, wellness, and learning. We envision:
We believe the younger generation must experience nature education outside their classroooms with soil, seeds, water, and biodiversity firsthand if they are to care for the planet in the future which is much needed.
Why urban farms matter
Running an urban farm is not easy. It demands resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. But as cities continue to expand, farms within cities are no longer optional—they are essential to serve the community.
Expanding urban farming not only strengthens our food resilience, it also cools cities, and restores habitats for pollinators. It reconnects people—especially in underserved communities—to fresh, nutritious food, fostering a deeper awareness of how what we eat affects our health and well-being. As demand grows, small farms near and in cities can thrive, gradually reshaping the broader food system.
Jacob & Klooster Farms stands today not because the city planned for us, but because we chose to stay, adapt, and grow alongside it. And in doing so, we hope to inspire others to imagine cities where nature is not pushed out—but welcomed back in.
