Tourism is well recognized as an engine of growth in various economies in the world. Several countries have transformed their economies by developing tourism potentials. Today the concept of traditional tourism has been changed and some new areas of tourism have emerged. Agrotourism is one of them. It is an agricultural activity related to tourism and agriculture. It has the great capacity to generate an additional source of income and employment opportunities to the farmers.
India is called a farmer’s country. Nearly 80% of the land is covered under green farms and every part of India has a variety of cultures and farming. Agrotourism is full of innovative activities through which visitors can get aware of agricultural areas and occupations carried out there, local products, traditional food, and daily lifestyle of rural people, as well as cultural elements and other traditions. These activities bring visitors closer to peaceful nature and rural lifestyle in which they can actively participate, be entertained and feel the pleasure of visiting. There are successful examples of Agrotourism Centres namely Baramati Agro Tourism Centre Palshiwadi, Pune, Dewalokam Farmstay Retreat, Karimannoor, Kerala, The Country Retreat Farmstay, Pali, Rajasthan.
The Indian tourism industry is growing at a rate of 10%, which is 2.5 times more than that of the world. In India, there are some issues which need attention for the promotion of agro-tourism like publicity, transportation, accommodation, networking, capacity building of farmers and the safety of tourists. As it is an emerging sector it is needed to be promoted. ATDC (Agrotourism Development Corporation) has formed a Guidance Assistance Committee to encourage farmers to establish agrotourism. The committee also provides tender advice, technical aspects, and guidance to farmers. The government is taking steps to promote agrotourism by providing schemes and policies.
Maharashtra is the pioneer state of developing and promoting agritourism in India. ATDC had been incorporated in 2005 and it owns the pilot project of 28 acres in Pune, Maharashtra. Agrotourism concept has spread out in different parts of India such as Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, etc. Recently, Maharashtra state cabinet has approved Agrotourism Policy aiming at promoting rural development through agricultural tourism and marketing of its products, encouraging agro-based businesses, and providing employment opportunities to rural women and youth. Karnataka government has targeted Rs. 5000 cr. of investment and creating one million employments in this sector.
However, the development of this concept and promoting strategies at state and national level is needed. Though it is not easy to implement, agrotourism has great potential. The farmers are not yet aware of the potential of agrotourism, so they should be educated about the proper financing solutions and risk management.
