Tourism Has Become One of the Major Sectors

8/12/2019 Tourism Has Become One of the Major Sectors

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To attract national & international tourists to the peri-urban and rural areas thusincreasing the income generation potential

A solution to- Rural unemployment Low and seasonal income of farmers

Lack of rural accommodation

Significance of Agri-tourism

An opportunity for city-dwellers to visit The rural life of India. Introduction to village life with first-hand experience on the farm. Chance for urban children to taste fresh farm products.

AGRI-TOURISM IN INDIA

Agri-tourism is a form of niche tourism that is considered a growth industry in manyparts of the world, including Australia, Canada, the United States and the Philippines.Other terms associated with agri-tourism are "agritainment", "value added products","farm direct marketing" and "sustainable agriculture"

Farm Stay:

Well you must now be bored of visiting the hill stations and staying in the first class Achotel room.

And you might be looking for the change this time.

And to offer you the holidays with the difference, Agri-tourism is definitely a good option.

What more than Farm Stay?

To get that very special experience of the rural ambiance and to enjoy the rural life,Indian tourism provides you the opportunity to stay right away in the farms houses alongwith the other villagers and experience the difference.

Witness the unique lifestyle of the villagers. Learn about their age old traditions and culture, which they resume till date. Converse with them and feel how warm hearted and simple they are. Along with them spend time playing the pleasing rural games such as taash (cards) and

kho kho.

There are interesting bull fight and wrestling matches held on various occasions in thevillage.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agritainmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agritainment


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On the tour to the village what attracts you the most is the colorful costumes of thevillages. Womens are seen wearing the ghagra choli (Skirt and top) or the sarees. Whilemen are donned up in the traditional kurtas and turbans. Both men and women are usuallyseen wearing the various jewelry items.

Venturing into the agricultural farms

Roam into the vast spreaded acres of agricultural lands along with the group of villagerswho can provide you the better insight of the village. As you roam into the fields, feel thesmell of the India soil, which gives you the real flavor of India.

Enchant with the farmers working hard in the fields. Take the view of the bulls ploughing the fields. The wells, other water bodies, mountains and forests are the added attraction for the

tourists.

Animal Rides

Apart from all this, holidays on farms provides you the complete entertainment. Ride on the bullock carts along with the villager's into the agricultural fields. See them carrying fodder for animals into the buggies. You can even take the camel ride to explore the village and the surrounding areas.

Cow Milking

Cow milking is real exciting activity, which can't be escaped. Practice the art of cow milking from the villagers. Feed the cows with the fodder and chapatis. See how the rural womens cook food on the

chulas made of mud.

Taste the authentic rural cuisine and drink fresh milk of cow.Rural art and craft

Villages are expert in making the handicrafts, it is something which is passed on fromtheir one generation to the other.

You can carry some of the items back to the home as the momentum.Village fairs and festivals

You can also participate in the village seasonal harvest fair and festivals. Onam, Baishakiand Pongal are some of the village most famous harvest festivals.


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Then you can enjoy the traditional dance and music performed by the villagers on suchoccasions.

You are advised to respect the local tradition and please do not take out the photographswithout permission as the villagers are quite conserve and orthodox.

AGRI-TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA

1. INDIAN TOURISM INDUSTRY IS GROWING @10.1% -The World Tourism

organization has estimated that the tourism industry is growing at the rate of 4% a year and thatby the year 2010 there will be more than one billion tourists visiting various parts of the world.But the Indian tourism industry is growing at the rate of 10% which is 2 times more that thegrowth rate at global level. By introducing Agri-Tourism concept, not only present growth rate issustained but also this value addition contributes to further growth.

2. INDIA HAS ENTERED AMONGST THE TOP 10 TOURIST DESTINATIONS LIST(Conde

Nast TravellorA leading European Travel Magazine) - India is already established as one ofthe top tourist destination in the world. Value addition by introducing novel products like Agri-tourism would only strengthen the competitiveness of Indian tourism industry in global market.

3. INDIA HAS DIVERSE CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHYIndia has diverse culture and

geography which provides ample and unlimited scope for the growth of this business. India hasdiverse Agro-climatic conditions, diverse crops, people, culture, deserts, mountains, coastal

systems and islands which provides scope for promotion of all season, multilocation tourismproducts.

4. INCREASING NUMBER OF TOURISTS PREFERRING NON-URBAN TOURISTIncreasing

number of tourists preferring non-urban tourist spots (financial express). Hence, there is scopefor promotion of non-urban tourist spots in interior villages by establishing Agri-tourism centres.But, adequate facilities and publicity are must to promote such centres.

5. GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND POLICIES IN XTH FIVE YEAR PLANGovernment

initiatives and policies in xth five year plan allocation has been increased from 525 crore to 2900crores. Increased financial allocation reaffirms the government commitment. The increasedfinancial allocation by six times could be used for capacity building of service providers,creation of infrastructure and publicity.

BENEFITS: A GLIMPSE OF AGRI-TOURISM CENTER IN


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Malegaon: India - 25% increase in Farmers income in just one year, 2005. Italy: Gallo Rosso - 233% growth form 1999 to 2007. U.S. Farms: $955 million additional income in just one year 2004.

SOME SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT FARMING ENTERPRISESAND TECHNIQUES IN AGRI TOURISM: INTERNATIONAL

EXPERIENCES.Agri-tourism is a viable income generating activities in many developed

counties which would provide lead to promote the same with modifications suiting to ourconditions. Some of the successful running models of AgriTourism are:

Wineries with Friday happy hours. Arts & Crafts Demonstrations. Farm Store : Exhibition of farm equipments Roadside Stand selling fresh farm products and craft items

Processing of farm products and sale Demonstration of Agri-activities Sheep Shearing. Wool Processing. Fee fishing / hunting. Farm Vacations. Bed and Breakfast Farm Tours. Horseback Riding. Cross-country skiing.

AGRITOURISM CONCLAVE: CONCEPT NOTE

Camping. Bad weather - like desert, snow fields, heavy rainfall also attract Agri-tourists Picnic Grounds. A shady spot for visitors to rest like a big banyan tree Educational Tours for school children, officers and progressive farmers Farm Schools to teach a particular skill Outdoor Schools which are mobile in nature teach ing agriculture Herb Walks.

Workshops on interesting, emerging agriculture topics Festivals with wide publicity and sponsorship Cooking Demos to satisfy housewives. Pick-Your-own Pumpkin Patch. Rent anapple tree. Moonlight activities. Pageants. Speakers who can attract Agro-tourist narrating Agricultural experiences.


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Regional Themes like tribal coffee of Kerala, Andaman spices etc Crop Art. Pizza Farm. Historical Recreations like highlighting a oldest farm etc. Log Buildings.

Antique Villages. Collection of old farm Machinery. Miniature Village. Farm Theme Playground for Children. Fantasyland. Gift Shop. Antiques. Crafts. Crafts Demonstrations. Food Sales. Lunch Counter.

Cold Drinks. Restaurant. Theme (apple town, etc.)

SOME OF THE IMPORTANT ADVANTAGES OF AGRITOURISM ARE

1. It brings major primary sector agriculture closer to major service sector tourism.This convergence is expected to create win-win situation for both the sectors.

2. Tourism sector has potential to enlarge.3. Agriculture sector has the capacity to absorb expansion in tourism Sector.

SCOPE OF AGRITOURISM

Agri-Tourism has great scope in the present context for the following reasons:

1. AN INEXPENSIVE GATEWAYThe cost of food, accommodation, recreation and

travel is least in Agri-Tourism. This widens the tourist base. Present concept of travel andtourism is limited to urban and rich class which constitutes only a small portion of thepopulation. However, the concept of Agri-Tourism takes travel and tourism to the largerpopulation, widening the scope of tourism due to its cost effectiveness.

2. CURIOSITY ABOUT THE FARMING INDUSTRY AND LIFE STYLEThe urban

population having roots in villages always have had the curiosity to learn about sources of food,plants, animals, raw materials like wood, handicrafts, languages, culture, tradition, dresses andrural lifestyle. Agri-Tourism which revolves around farmers, villages and agriculture has thecapacity to satisfy the curiosity of this segment of population.


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3. STRONG DEMAND FOR WHOLESOME FAMILY ORIENTED RECREATIONAL

ACTIVITIES -

Villages provide recreational opportunities to all age groups i.e. children young,middle and old age, male, female, in total to the whole family at a cheaper cost. Rural games,festivals, food, dress and the nature provides variety of entertainment to the entire family.

4. HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS OF URBAN POPULATION AND FINDING SOLACEWITH NATURE FRIENDLY MEANS

Modern lifestyle has made life stressful andaverage life span has come down. Hence, people are in constant search of pro-nature means tomake life more peaceful. Ayurveda which is a pro-nature medical approach has roots in villages.Indigenous medical knowledge of villagers is respected. Organic foods are in greater demand inurban areas and foreign countries. In total, health conscious urban population is looking towardspronature villages for solutions.

5. DESIRE FOR PEACE AND TRANQUILITYModern life is a product of diversifiedthinking and diversified activities. Every individual attempts to work more, in different

directions to earn more money to enjoy modern comforts. Hence, peace is always out of hissystem. Tourism is a means for searching peaceful location. Peace and tranquility are inbuilt inAgri-Tourism as it is away from urban areas and close to nature.

6. INTEREST IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENTBusy urban population is leaning towards

nature. Because, natural environment is always far away from busy life. Birds, animals, crops,mountains, water bodies, villages provide totally different atmosphere to urban population inwhich they can forget their busy urban life.

7. DISILLUSIONMENT WITH OVER CROWDED RESORTS AND CITIESIn resorts

and cities, overcrowded peace seekers disturb each otherspeace. Hence, peace is beyond citiesand resorts. Even though efforts are made to create village atmosphere in the sub urban areasthrough resorts, farm houses, it looks like a distant replica of the original.

8. NOSTALGIA FOR THEIR ROOTS ON THE FARMCities are growing at the cost of

villages. Villagers are migrating to cities in search of jobs and to seek the comforts of modernlife. Hence, yesterdays villagers are todays urbanites.Deep in the heart of urbanites lies thelove and respect for their ancestors and villages. Hence, visit to villages satisfies their desire.This is also expressed through the hatred of urbanites to flat culture and love for farmhouseslocated in the outskirts of cities. Any opportunity to visit villages and spend time with family isdream of any urbanite. But, minimum decent facilities are always problem. Agri-Tourismattempts to overcome this problem.

9. RURAL RECREATION


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Villages provide variety of recreation to urbanites throughfestivals and handicrafts. Villagers (farmers) lifestyle, dress, languages, culture / traditions whichalways add value to the entertainment. Agricultural environment around farmers and the entireproduction process could create curiosity among urban taught. Places of agricultural importancelike highest crop yielding farm, highest animal yielding farm, processing units, farms where

innovations tried add attraction to the tourists. Agricultural products like farm gate fresh market,processed foods, organic food could lure the urban tourists. As result of this agriatmosphere inthe villages, there is scope to develop Agri Tourism products like agri-shopping, culinarytourism, pick and own your tree / plot, bed and breakfast, pick and pay, bullock cart riding,camel riding, boating, fishing, herbal walk, rural games and health (ayurvedic) tourism.

10.EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF AGRI-TOURISMAgri-Tourism could create awareness

about rural life and knowledge about agriculture science among urban school children. Itprovides a best alternative for school picnics which are urban based. It provides opportunity forhands on experience for urban college students in agriculture. It is a means for providing training

to future farmers. It would be effectively used as educational and training tool to train agricultureand line department officers. This provides unique opportunity for education through recreationwhere learning is fun effective and easy. Seeing is believing, doing is learning. This experiencebased concept is the USP of Agri- Tourism.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AGRITOURISM

Agri - Tourism should ensure the following three basic principles.

1. HAVE SOMETHING FOR VISITORS TO SEEAnimals, birds, farms and nature are

few things which Agri-Tourism could offer to the tourist. Apart from these, culture, dress,festivals and rural games could create enough interest among visitors in Agri-Tourism.

2. HAVE SOMETHING FOR VISITORS TO DOParticipating in agricultural operations,

swimming, bullock cart riding, camel riding, buffalo riding, cooking and participating in therural games are few activities to quote in which tourists can take part and enjoy.

3. HAVE SOMETHING FOR VISITORS TO BUYRural crafts, dress materials, farm gate

fresh agriculture products, processed foods are the few items which tourist can buy as memento

for remembrance.

THREE IMPORTANT FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESS

OF AGRI-TOURISM

1. FARMER


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In majority of the cases, farmers are less educated, less exposed and innocent.For a farmer, any outsider is a guest and is treated wholeheartedly without any commercialmotive. Treating guests is pleasure for the villagers than pain. The farmer entertains the guestwhile entertaining himself in the process. He is not like an exploitative natured businessmanwhich itself facilitate a clean tourism atmosphere.

1. VILLAGEVillages, located far from the city lack urban facilities, but are blessed with

natural resources. Investments are made by nature in the form of water bodies, fields, forest,mountains, deserts and islands. The community structure is more homogenous and treatingguests is part of the culture rather than a professional activity leading to natural environmentrequired for such form of tourism.

2. AGRICULTURERich resources in agriculture namely land, water and plants are unique

from place to place bringing diversity and creating curiosity. Each field is unique which adds to

the attraction of tourists. The way of cultivation and the products are great attraction to the urbanpopulation. Indigenous knowledge of rural people is a wealth, which adds to the novelty and thecuriosity of urban population. Combination of farmer, village and agriculture creates a wonderfulsituation which provides unlimited satisfaction to the tourist especially from urban areas.

PROMOTION OF AGRI-TOURISM

Tourism is termed as an instrument for employment generation, poverty alleviation andsustainable human development.

During 1999-2000, direct employment created by tourism was 15.5 million. Besides,tourism also promotes national integration, international understanding and supports localhandicrafts and cultural activities.

During 2000, the number of foreign tourists that visited India was 26.41 lakhs. Indias share in world tour market is just 0.38 percent. With this meager share, foreign

exchange earned is Rs.14,475 crores.

Turnover in domestic tourism is much more than this.

ISSUES NEEDING ATTENTION FOR THE PROMOTION OF AGRI-TOURISM

1. PUBLICITYIt is difficult to provide publicity to a remote Agri-tourism unit. Hence,

either collectively such Agri-tourism operators can provide publicity or organizations like ITDC,State tourism development corporations, NGOs, press and tour operators can take up this


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responsibility. Information technology can play very important role in promotion of Agri-tourism. An interactive website containing all details about Agri-tourism locations and a toll free24 hours help line can provide necessary information to Agri-tourists.

2. TRANSPORTReaching the remote Agri-tourism units is the greatest challenge due tolack of approach roads and poor transportation facilities in rural areas. Tele connectivity is must

which is yet to reach villages. Government should play important role in creating these facilitiesnamely roads, transport and telecommunication to rural areas especially where Agri-tourismunits are established on priority basis. These efforts could be effective with private participationin partnership mode.

3. ACCOMMODATIONSafe and clean accommodation is must in Agri-tourism. Urban

and foreign tourists look for these minimum facilities. Orienting Agri tour operators on one handand providing incentive to such efforts on other hand is necessary. Regular clean water supply

and neat toilets are important. At the same time, it is necessary to limit modern facilities in whichAgri-tourist is not interested.

4. NETWORKINGNetworking public and private stakeholders at national and state level to

assist the Agri-tourism operator at remote place is necessary. This network can get policysupport, infrastructure and publicity to Agri-tourism units.

5. CAPACITY BUILDING OF FARMERSFarmer need to be oriented on maintenance of

facilities, hospitality and public relation which he is not aware

6. SAFETY OF TOURISTSAgri-tourism units are located in remote areas which lack

roads, medical facilities, telecommunication and sometimes threat from theft and wild animals.Hence, support of local population is must besides facilities for emergency medical care.

7. PUBLIC - PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPAgripreneurs, farmers organizations,

cooperatives, NGOs and agribusiness companies can take up these ventureswith the help offarmers and government agencies tour operators. Transporters and hospitality industry wouldalso benefit in the process.

ISSUES NEEDING ATTENTION FOR THE PROMOTION OF AGRI-

TOURISM

Promotion of Agri Tourism involves some more important stakeholders namelyMinistry of Agriculture and line departments at State and Central Governments andfarmers.


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Promotion of Agri-Tourism needs conceptual convergence with Rural Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Health Tourism, Adventure Tourism and culinary adventures.

Hence, adding additional income generating activities to existing agriculture wouldcertainly increase contribution of agriculture in the national GDP. Serious efforts need tobe made in this direction and AgriTourism is one such activity.

MARKET MIX STRATEGY

The proposed market mix strategy for the promotion of Agri-tourism concept is as

follows:

1. PRODUCTThe product in Agri-tourism is seeing, believing and ultimately experiencing.

This experience is unique and unmatched. The experience of climbing a tree, buffalo riding inthe pond and enjoying the sugarcane juice in the field itself are unique and none of the milliondollar tourist centres can create and offer such experiences.

2. PRICE -a. Customer segment pricing Domestic and foreign tourist could be priced

differently as the capacity to pay is different. For a bullock cart riding, a foreign touristcan pay one dollar where as a domestic tourist can pay only one fourth.

b. Location pricing Pricing in Agri-tourism depends upon location andimportance. Agri-tourism which just offers agriculture and rural life as an attraction cancharge normal pricing. Whereas Agri-tourism spots which are very close to establishedtourism centres like temple towns, hill stations, around big cities can go far little bithigher charging due to added value. As the pricing in established tourism places are high,it works out to be cheaper for tourist to stay and enjoy in Agri-tourism spots.

c. Time pricing Agri-tourism units can charge higher in peak season i.e.November to January and change less during rest of the period. During rural festivals orat the time of important events Agri-tourism units can charge more, even though it isduring off season.

3. PLACEThe place where tourists are accommodated also influences the pricing. If the

tourists are accommodated in villages itself with the farmer, the charging can be less whereasaccommodation in farms cost high. Because, exclusively for tourist purpose infrastructure iscreated in farm whereas existing facilities are used in farmers house in village.

4. PROMOTIONPromotion of Agri-tourism and strategic alliance can takes place at three

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a. Alliance with airlines, tour operators and foreign embassies This alliancebrings foreign tourists and upper middle class urban tourists into Agri-tourism fold. Itmay not be possible for individual farmers to take up this task. Government can assist theAgri-tourism units through promotion and co-ordination activities through central andstate tourism departments.

b. Alliance with hotel industry

Large number of domestic tourists can beattracted through alliance with hotel industry. The hotel industry can be used to promotethe Agri-tourism concept.

c. Promotion by Agri-tourism units Basically the promotion takes placethrough mouth to mouth and local publicity given by Agri-tourism units. As theabsorption capacity of each unit is very less, direct marketing with little aggressive modeis enough for an Agri-tourism unit to survive. They can go for combined publicity on costsharing basis and also publics the Agri-tourism potential in other part of thecountry. But,promotion of this group approach needs initial government interventions.

5.

POLICIES

Some of the policy initiatives of urban government would surely helppromotion of Agri-tourism. They are:

a. Building brand identity Incredible India.b. Rs.60 crore budget for promoting brand.c. Xth five year plan budget increased from Rs. 525 to 2900 crores.d. An allocation of Rs.50 lakhs per village for village tourism has been proposede. The states are encouraging private public partnership in tourism sector.

6. POSITIONINGUltimately Agri-tourism concept has to be positioned in the minds of

tourists as Come, pluck a fruit, smell a flower, run in the fields, lie on the hay and be lost in

rural India.

ATDC,AGRI-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, INDIA

ATDC : Founded in 2005 by Pandurang Taware, entrepreneur and descendant of afarming community, Agri-tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) is a company thatfacilitates agricultural tourism in the Indian state of Maharashtra. With a stagnating


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Indian agricultural industry, farmers across Maharashtra are looking at agri-tourism as ameans of diversifying business opportunities and securing a viable livelihood.

Following a phase of research and an initial pilot programme in the village of Baramati in2005, ATDC now has 500 trained farmers and 152 agri-tourism locations across the stateof Maharashtra. Since the inception of the programme, farmers across the state haveexperienced a 25% growth in their income.

ATDC has established close networking links with Maharashtra state and has beeninstrumental in securing a preferential loan policy for agri-tourism farmers from the PuneDistrict Cooperative Bank.

Furthermore, it pools the farmers' marketing activities and organises an awardprogramme for its agri-tourism centres.

With agriculture becoming a more strenuous and less profitable sector for the majority ofthe Indian population, Agri-tourism Development Corporation has developed a conceptthat is leading the way towards sustainable livelihoods for many farmers and theirfamilies.

AGRI TOURISM: INNOVATIVE SUPPLEMENTARY INCOME

GENERATING ACTIVITY FOR ENTERPRISING FARMERS

Agriculture is the backbone of Indian Economy. Around 85 percent of the population isdirectly or indirectly dependent on Agriculture and almost 26 percent of Indias GDP comesfrom Agriculture. 90 million farmers are dwelling in 6.25 lac villages producing more than 200MT of food grains feeding the country. More than a profession or a business, agriculture is

Indias culture. Hence, adding additional income generating activities to existing agriculturewould certainly increase contribution of agriculture in the national GDP. Serious efforts need tobe made in this direction and AgriTourism is one such activity.

Tourism is termed as an instrument for employment generation, poverty alleviation andsustainable human development. During 1999-2000, direct employment created by tourism was15.5 million. Besides, tourism also promotes national integration, international understandingand supports local handicrafts and cultural activities. During 2000, the number of foreign touriststhat visited India was 26.41 lac. Indias share in world tour market is just 0.38 percent. With thismeager share, foreign exchange earned is Rs.14,475 crores. Turnover in domestic tourism ismuch more than this. To promote domestic tourism, thrust areas identified by Government of

India are development of infrastructure, product development and diversification, developmentof eco-adventure sports, cultural presentations, providing inexpensive accommodation,streamlining facilitation procedures at airports, human resource development, creating awarenessand public participation and facilitation of private sector participation. In this process, importantstakeholders are State and Central department of tourism, Indian Institute of Tourism and TravelManagement, Tourism Development Corporations, foreign embassies, Travel AgentsAssociation of India (TAAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Tourists, Transport


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Operators Association, Indian convention promotion bureau and Pacific Asia Travel Association(PATA).

Promotion of Agri Tourism involves some more important stakeholders namelyMinistry of Agriculture and line departments at state and central governments and farmers.

Promotion of Agri-Tourism needs conceptual convergence with Rural Tourism, Eco-Tourism,Health Tourism, Adventure Tourism and culinary adventures.

ROLE OF AGRICULTURE INSTITUTES IN PROMOTION OF AGRI-

TOURISMAround 1000 agriculture teaching, training, research and marketing organizations

are there in the country. Each institute is equipped with technically trained manpower,infrastructure for lodging, boarding, fields and other necessary facilities which could be used forpromotion of Agri-tourism concept. Urban, foreign tourist could be attracted, accommodated andexposed to agricultural situations on payment basis. This helps in efficient use of existingmanpower, infrastructure on one side and generating the income to the institute. This approach is

possible by just utilizing the facilities of the existing institutes in Agri-tourism. The same facilitycould be used for further promotion of the concept by building the capacity of the farmers,agripreneurs in Agri-tourism. Thus, these centres could serve as nodal centres for promotion ofAgri-tourism concept. All the state agricultural universities, animal husbandry universities,fisheries universities, ICAR organizations, Krishi Vignan Kendra, state, district level farmerstraining centres, demonstration farms and seed production farms could be brought under thisconcept. This would bring down economic burden of the government, efficient utilization ofresources and promotion of Agri-tourism concepts.

NETWORK OF STAKEHOLDERS IN PROMOTION OF AGRI-TOURISM

PACKAGES


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Children & Parents Summer Camps - 2 nights and 3 days' at Various Agri-tourismCentres in Maharashtra.

Camping Dates : May 4th; 11th; 18th; 25th2014 (recent camp) Maximum 50 children per camp Age group: 9 to 12 yrs- Rs- 4000/-Per child Age group:13 to 17 years- Rs 5000/- per head Parents:Parents- Rs 6000/- per head

Package includes

Two way Journey by Luxury coach. Stay for 3 days/2 nights on quadruple sharing basis All meals, (early morning tea/coffee/milk ; breakfast & tea; lunch; evening snacks;

dinner) pure veg only.

Local sight seeing.Daily activity in the agriculture farm.

1. Animal Feeding;

2. Guided Crop /Vegetables / Fruits farms visits and tours

3. Watching domestic animals and How to care for cattle

4. U-Pick Operations

5. Harvest festivals

6. Rural Festivals/ Jatra

7. Farmers' markets at the village and taluka place

8. Taluka Milk Collection centers Village fairs.

9. Roadside produce stands

10. Milking the Cow

11. Religious Temples Visits

12. Agricultural education programs: how to grow sugar cane, grapes, pomegranate,

guava, watermelon, tomato, other vegetables.

13. Evening Entertainment Programs, Rural folk dance, music, campfire


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& lot of fun filled games.

Rural games to be played

1. Bullock card and tractor Rides

2. Vittidandu

3. Gotya

4. Surparanbhya

5. Kabaddi

6. Langadi

7. Kho - Kho

8. Bullock Ploughing

9. Lagore & Gallori.

CASE STUDY: TERI & MTDC PRESENTS AGRI-TOURISM PAVILION

Organized by: The Energy & Resources Institute

Objectives Of Krishi-Dhan

Create awareness onOptions for diversification of agri businessOptions for additional incomeSunrise sectors

Introduction of futuristic business opportunities to youth and young entrepreneurs. Involve cross sectoral stake holders. Emphasize on traditional wisdom and integration of contemporary technologies. Encourage interstate participation of farmers, industries and researchers. Showcase success stories.

Agri-Tourism Map Of Maharashtra

Tourism policy for Government of Maharashtra

In the 5 year action plan agricultural tourism and wine tourism will be promoted. Good brand marketing is needed to attract the tourists. 90+ tourism centers in Maharashtra.


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Visitor Profile

National and international tourists. Government officials State tourism departments Farmers Interested entrepreneurs Businessmen Bureaucrats Corporates Technocrats and many more.

Highlights of the pavilion

Table-top artificial set-up of a Rural Indian scenario will include- House of the farmer Natural locations Model Farm house Model Field Model statues

Pavilion will be designed with an ethnic theme.ATTRACTIONS OF AGRI-TOURISM CENTERS

Bullock cart rides Wine tasting Participation in farm activities Fruit picking


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Experience of village life Agri market area Star gazing areas

Expected out come

Agri-tourism Centers are a new tourist attraction. Learning experience for farmers while interacting with National and international agri-tourismcenters Young generation and entrepreneurs may find the new business concept attractive Opportunities for collaboration with international and national Agri-tourism centers.

AGRI-TOURISM: AN INNOVATIVE SUPPLEMENTARY INCOME

GENERATING ACTIVITY FOR ENTERPRISING FARMERS

SOME AGRI-TOURISM SUCCESS STORIES:

1. Success Story of Shri Chandrashekhar BhadsavaleShri Chandrashekhar Bhadsavale lives in a village called Neral, famous as an entry point

to Matheran hill station, in Raigad district of Maharashtra. He is a technocrat, who returned fromUSA and turned farmer, just because his freedom-fighter father wished so. It has beenmore than25 years since he took to farming and in the process he has given a new dimension to agriculturein terms of agro-tourism.

Tourists are informed about various agricultural activities along with agricultural

implements and shown different farming practices like harvesting and processing. A tour can beorganized for visitors to nearby tourist and religious places.

Shri Bhadsavale has implemented innovative ideas like buffalo ride in water, which hasbecome quite popular amongst foreign tourists and college students! He provides them foodwhich is made of from locally available vegetables and thus providing them regional flavour.

If interested, fresh vegetables, locally made handicraft and handloom items as well asfood items are sold to these visitors as momento to cherish the memories of time they spent onhis farm.

2. Mauli Krishi Paryatan Kendra, Morachi ChincholiChincholiMorachi, by name itself means a village of tamarind trees & town of Peacocks. On

the path of 21st century, its getting very rare in cities to enjoy the freedom of fresh air andpollution free day.


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Chincholi Morachi is the place where you can discover all your old days and make yourchildren to experience the pollution free life for weekends.Yes, Chincholi is the heaven ofgreenery and the place where National bird, Peacock resides.

Contact Person: Mr. Janardan Dnyaneshwar Thopate. 09960663530 and 09822689173

3. Jai Malhar Krushi Pariyatan Kendra Morachi ChincholiActivities at Mayur baug include bullock cart rides, tractor rides, horse rides, and camel

rides. Visitors can also go for a village sightseeing tour (Sivaar Pheri) to get a betterunderstanding of the rural way of life.

Visitors could meet villagers and have a better understanding of the working of a GramPanchayat, Take a look at the local village school, interact with school children there talk tochildren and get to know their quality of life; understand their expectation from urban friends.

All activities are in an environment that is pollution and noise free, and have a generallysalubrious and health-promoting environment. There are 10 lettable rooms with attachedbathrooms.

4. Rutu Farm Agri-tourism Centre, Pasarni, WaiRutu Farm Agri-tourism Holiday Home offers a one-of-a-kind experience in an idyllic setting

at the foot hills of Panchgani, just 4 km from Wai .

On Wai Dhom Dam Boat Club road just 1.5 hoursdrive from Pune. Here at Rutu FarmAgri-tourism Holiday Homes, you can discover the beautiful and religious rural life of India.

Agri-tourism involves visiting a rural farm. You can enjoy bullock cart ride, tractor ride,Surparambhya, to name just a few. Here we provide opportunity for urban people to get back tothe roots.

5. Vedi Farm, Solshi, Koregaon, SataraActivities

Working Farm & Study Farm Activities Traditional Rural games like Kabbadi, Kho Kho, Kusti, Gilli-Danda, Surparambya,

Gotya Bullock-cart ride, zopala Emu, Parrot, Rabbit farm NaturalWater Park, Water Fall

6. Phaltan Agri-tourism Center Phaltan, SataraSpecialty Crops / Activities


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Organic Farming Water storage tank shetale (10 crore litre water ) Fisheries Tilapia , Prawns ( Sweet water) Flowers Garden Indian Vegetables farm

Swimming in the well Bullock Cart, Tractor Rides,

7. Sunil Bhosle, Jogwadi village in theBaramati taluk of Pune

For Sunil Bhosle, a farmer in the Jogwadi village in the Baramati taluk of Pune district, a13 acre piece of land tilled by his entire family round the year meant an annual income of Rs60,000-75,000.

This was before he was exposed to the benefits of agri-tourism six months ago. Bhosle,

with the help of the Agri-Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), opened his farms totourists, charging each Rs 300-350. ($6-7)

INDIAN AGRI-TOURISM INDUSTRY CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES

Many Indian farmers are currently involved in or are considering the use of agri-tourismas a means of diversifying their farm operations.

How they will accomplish when this is a challenge.? The full growth potential for agri-tourism can only be achieved if strategies to address

their challenges are developed and implemented.

The following sections identify these overriding challenges and recommend strategies toaddress them.

Agri-tourism Industry Recognition. Supportive Agri-tourism Policies and Regulations. Supportive Agri-tourism Financing. Effective Training Programs. Liability and Risk Management Programs. Product and Service Quality Control. Strategic Partnership Development. Marketing Programs. Conflict Management Programs

CONCLUSION


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Maximizing livelihood benefits needs a good understanding of what people most needand want (their livelihood priorities) and of the complex ways in which tourism optionsaffect livelihoods (direct and indirect livelihood impacts).

Therefore it requires a considerable role for local people in decision-making. This can be done either by devolving tourism rights to community level, and helping

communities with participatory planning; or by ensuring that government planning processes are participatory and responsive to localneeds; or

by ensuring, through government incentives, that planning by private entrepreneurs isresponsive to local needs.

Thus, Careful planning and design, based on an understanding of local livelihoods, cangreatly enhance the positive impacts of tourism.

REFERENCES

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporaton www.agri-tourismworld.com Agri-tourism Development Corporation. Website:www.agri-tourism.in www.incredibleindia.org www.tourism.gov.in www.indiastat.com

Few Links from where the data is collected:

http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?aid=2654&sid=18&sname=Coverstory http://www.tourismfutures.com.au/Publications/2009Presentations/Porcaro%20Pauline%20PP.pdf

http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/February08/Findings/Agri-tourism.htmPhotographs are collected from:

http://www.mapsofindia.com Website of Sidhigiri Museum, Kolhapur. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporaton.
http://www.agritourism.in/http://www.agritourism.in/

Documents

Tourism Has Become One of the Major Sectors