Urban Organic Farming Movement that is Changing Lives
The Beginning: One Strawberry, One Vision
In the year 2019, a simple but powerful idea was born on a rooftop in Hyderabad, India.
A man named Srinivasa Rao Harkara, a lawyer by profession and a farmer by blood, founded a small gardening group. The goal was to collectively buy strawberry saplings, which were too expensive for individual gardeners. The idea struck a chord.
What started as a group of a few enthusiasts trying to grow strawberries organically on their terraces and balconies, soon turned into a full-fledged green revolution across India.
That was the birth of City of Terrace Gardens (CTG).
The Vision Behind CTG: A Healthier Urban Life
Hyderabad, like many urban cities, was struggling with:
Polluted air and water
Chemically grown vegetables and fruits
Soaring prices for truly organic food
Lack of transparency in food sources
Srinivasa Harkara asked a simple question:
“What if every home could grow their own vegetables, naturally and organically?”
His answer was CTG — a movement to turn every terrace, balcony, backyard, and front yard into a mini organic farm.
Why CTG Was Needed
Today’s urban life has become disconnected from food sources. The vegetables we buy are often full of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and unverified “organic” claims.
At the same time, most city residents do not have access to land for farming. Terrace and balcony farming became the perfect solution.
If you can’t go to the farm, bring the farm to your roof.”
That is exactly what CTG did — it empowered urban families to take control of their food, health, and environment.
六⚖️ Who Is Srinivasa Rao Harkara?
Practicing Advocate in Supreme Court and High Courts of Hyderabad & Amaravati
Born into a farmer’s family in Ramagundam, Peddapalli District, Telangana
Holds a Postgraduate in Agriculture Sciences
Also holds a Postgraduate in Law
Passionate about Natural and Organic Farming
Despite his legal profession, his heart beats for the soil. He combines legal wisdom with agricultural knowledge to empower thousands of families.
What Makes CTG Special?
✅ Community-Driven: Started with a handful, now tens of thousands of families are part of it
✅ Expert Guidance: A panel of gardening experts mentors members regularly
✅ Workshops & Events: Online and offline programs for beginners and advanced gardeners
✅ Farm Visits: Hands-on experience and real inspiration
✅ Live Sessions: Weekly sessions with real-time Q&A on terrace gardening challenges
✅ Zero Profit Approach: It’s not a business — it’s a cause
Grow What You Eat. Eat What You Grow
This is not just a slogan — it’s a lifestyle.
Families across Hyderabad and beyond have started growing:
Leafy greens like spinach, coriander, mint, methi
Vegetables like tomato, chilli, brinjal, bottle gourd, bitter gourd
Fruits like strawberries, lemons, papaya
Herbs like tulsi, aloe vera, lemongrass
Children are learning to care for plants. Housewives are preparing meals from the roof garden. Elderly members feel mentally refreshed. The entire family is emotionally, physically, and spiritually connected with nature.
A Movement That Went Beyond Hyderabad
What started in Hyderabad has now inspired gardeners in 11 Indian states and abroad. The CTG model has reached:
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Tamil Nadu
Uttar Pradesh
Gujarat
Rajasthan
Delhi
…and even Indian communities overseas.
The dream is clear — to make Hyderabad the first “Terrace Garden City” of the world. Just like Bangalore is called the “Garden City”, Hyderabad could be the greenest, healthiest, self-grown food capital.
❤️ Impact on People’s Lives
1. Reduced monthly vegetable bills
2. Improved health due to chemical-free food
3. Greater family bonding
4. Mental peace and stress reduction
5. Connection with nature in city life
6. A sense of self-reliance and contribution
The Dream Continues…
People said the dream was too ambitious, but I believed in the soil.” – Srinivasa Harkara
Today, CTG continues to grow stronger with each passing season. Every new rooftop garden is a step towards food security, climate action, and urban well-being.
Final Message
You don’t need acres of land. All you need is a few pots, some soil, and a big heart
City of Terrace Gardens is not just about plants.
It’s about people, purpose, and the planet.