| Abstract: | This paper explores the benefits of rural-urban linkages (RUL) in India’s agri-food system, focusing on the movement of food from farms to urban markets. It highlights how RUL improves food security, nutrition, and economic opportunities by increasing access to fresh produce for urban consumers and raising incomes for rural farmers. Additionally, the paper discusses benefits such as reduced transportation emissions and sustainable farming practices. Despite challenges like infrastructure gaps and supply chain management, the paper argues that collaborative policies and knowledge-sharing can enhance these linkages, fostering inclusive growth, rural development, and sustainability in the agri-food system. |