Professional Certification in Urban Farming (CUF)

Professional Certification in Urban Farming is a specialized programme designed to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to cultivate crops in urban environments using space-efficient and sustainable farming techniques. With increasing urbanization and limited availability of arable land, this programme focuses on enabling food production within cities through innovative approaches. Participants will gain insights into plant growth and crop production in constrained spaces, along with efficient management of soil, water, and nutrients. The course also emphasizes sustainable practices such as composting, waste recycling, and eco-friendly pest and disease management techniques suitable for urban conditions. The Professional Certification in Urban Farming covers key areas including plant physiology, soil and media management, crop selection, irrigation practices, pest management, urban farm design, and sustainable agriculture practices—ensuring a holistic understanding of modern urban food production systems.

Programme Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Urban Farming

• Concept, scope, and types of urban agriculture systems
• Importance and benefits in modern urban environments
• Global and Indian urban farming trends and opportunities

Module 2: Plant Growth Principles in Urban Systems

• Fundamentals of plant physiology and growth requirements
• Soil-based vs soilless cultivation systems
• Environmental factors affecting productivity in urban spaces

Module 3: Urban Farming Techniques and Systems

• Container, rooftop, and vertical farming methods
• Hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics overview
• Indoor farming and controlled environment agriculture

Module 4: Soil and Growing Media Management

• Soil selection, preparation, and potting mixtures
• Organic matter management and composting techniques
• Soil health, fertility, and sustainability practices

Module 5: Water and Irrigation Management

• Water requirements and efficient irrigation systems
• Rainwater harvesting and water-saving techniques
• Smart irrigation and resource optimization methods

Module 6: Nutrient Management

• Essential plant nutrients and their functions
• Organic and inorganic fertilization approaches
• Nutrient deficiency identification and correction

Module 7: Crop Planning and Production Systems

• Selection of suitable crops for urban environments
• Seasonal planning, crop rotation, and companion planting
• High-yield, fast-growing, and high-value crops

Module 8: Pest, Disease, and Protected Cultivation

• Common pests and diseases in urban farming
• Eco-friendly pest control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Protected cultivation and microclimate control

Module 9: Urban Farm Design, Tools, and Technology

• Space planning for balcony, terrace, and backyard farming
• Tools, equipment, and container selection
• Automation, sensors, and digital tools for farm management

Module 10: Sustainability, Economics, and Policies

• Waste management, composting, and circular economy practices
• Cost analysis, marketing, and business opportunities
• Government schemes, certifications, and regulations

Module 11: Case Studies

Eligibility

Graduates in any discipline are eligible for the Post Graduate Diploma, Executive Diploma, and Professional Certification Programmes. 10+2 pass-outs are eligible for the Under Graduate Diploma, and diploma holders of two to three years duration are also eligible for the PG Diploma.

Programme Duration

The minimum duration to complete the Professional Certification programme is 6 months and maximum is 12 months.

Programme Mode

Registration is currently open for Part-time (Online Live Classes) mode.

Programme Deliverables

A comprehensive study material for all the modules in hard copies ensuring the needs of the audience. The accompanying training material is appropriately aligned with the current Industry’s expectations.

• Interactive or online live sessions on all key areas of the programme giving all flexibility to the participants.

• Online Live Classes/Part-time for all the modules will be conducted on the weekends. Moreover, a doubt clearing session will also be scheduled before the examination.

• All the efforts are made by IGMPI faculty members to make the entire programme modules easily understandable.

• Assessment and evaluation for all the programme modules in order to enhance the levels of competencies and skills of the participants leading towards the objective of application in the job.

• At the end of each programme modules, the trainers shall obtain feedback from the participants using specially designed questionnaires.

• All learning and training delivery initiatives shall be conducted in English.

Assessment & Certification

All the participants are expected to appear for online assessment. After successfully qualifying the examination, the participants will be awarded Professional Certification in Urban Farming by Centre for Sustainable Agriculture Technology, IGMPI. For all the above-mentioned elaborate study resources, Assessment test papers and case studies would be provided by the Institute from time to time. Details get updated on the website as well. The certification will be awarded after the required levels of knowledge, skills, professionalism and attitude are assessed through the IGMPI assessment process.

Discipline in Classes and Examination

Every student is required to observe a disciplined behaviour during her/his classes, assessments & examinations and to follow instructions from the Professors. Any act of indiscipline may result into discredit & it will be mentioned in her/his academic report.

Placement Assistance & Corporate Relations

For the Post Graduate Diploma and Undergraduate Diploma Programmes, we will provide placement assistance after the completion of the programme. The Institute has partnered with many organizations for providing placement assistance to its students. The robust placement cell comprises senior level Human Resources professionals and Talent Acquisition experts which maintains close links with business and industry. The efforts of our placement cell also include helping with professional resume writing, interview skills & conducting mock interviews etc.

In recent months the Institute has witnessed more and more participation from professionals working with global healthcare like , Jhpiego, SELCO Foundation, TATA Foundation, Samarthan NGO, PSI, UNICEF, WHO, HCL Foundation, IPE Global, Optum, PATH, AIIMS, Action against Hunger, Ekta Shakti Foundation, Seva Foundation, India HIV-AIDS Alliance, HLFPPT, Deepak Foundation, Novartis, LalPath Labs Ltd., Fortis Healthcare Ltd., HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd., Indraprastha Medical Corporation Ltd., Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd., Piramal Enterprises Ltd., Wockhardt Ltd., Cactus Communications, Public Health Foundations of India, Cytel, Religare Health Insurance Company Ltd., Deloitte, DuPont Sustainable Solutions, Bain & Company, Alvarez & Marsal, McKinsey & Company, etc. The IGMPI’s Corporate Resource Division actively recommends our students and training participants for various job requirements and specialized roles to Human Resource, Talent Acquisition as well as the heads of various departments in Pharmaceutical, Healthcare industries on regular basis.

Future Career Prospects

With growing awareness of sustainable living and increasing demand for fresh, locally grown produce, urban farming is gaining significant importance. Certificate holders can work in urban agriculture projects, sustainability initiatives, and small-scale commercial setups or establish their own ventures.

Opportunities also exist in consultancy, where professionals assist individuals, housing societies, and organizations in developing and maintaining urban farming systems. The demand for skilled urban farming professionals is steadily rising in both domestic and global markets.

View Prospectus

Apply Online

Last date for submitting completed Application Form: 20^th Aug 2026.

For further enquiries, call or write to us on:
18001031071 (Toll Free -9:00 am to 5:30 pm IST-except on Central Government holidays)/ info@igmpi.ac.in