AGRI TOURISM- THE EXPRESS HIGHWAY TO PROSPEROUS AGRICULTURE AND FARMING
Introduction:
Agri Tourism is a form of sound, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible tourism development which has the potential to contribute substantially to local socio-economic development and poverty reduction.
Importantly, and with the right support and guidance, Agri Tourism can also contribute to the conservation and protection of natural, cultural and ethnical resources. There are many good examples of successful Agri Tourism Projects in the world but many of these exist in isolation or are relatively unknown. Thus, it is important that these good projects are brought together so that the mechanisms that have led to their success and the lessons learned can be used to form a set of over-arching guidelines for Agri Tourism development in the rest of the World.
Background:
AGRI TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (ATDC – Agri Tourism India) has focused on enhancement of local socio-economic development and poverty alleviation of rural and remote communities since early 2000s through Agri Tourism and community-based agritourism development. Agri Tourism projects have commenced under the ATDC’s guidance. Maharashtra is the first State in India to have a formal “Agri Tourism Policy in September, 2020”
Expert Trainer:
Shri Pandurang Bhagwanrao Taware who is fondly known as the Father of Agri Tourism in India. He is also the South and Western Asia Region Chair in Global AgriTourism Network (GAN). He heads the World Agritourism Day Committee in GAN. He is a recipient of 2 National Awards and 11 International awards, IRAI Innovative Farmer Award and many others
Benefits of attending Agri Tourism Training Program:
a) Learn the art and science of Agri Tourism from the Founder of Agri Tourism in India himself
b) Understand the basic concepts, inlcusions, exclusions and overcoming practical difficulties while commencing agri tourism project
c) Hand holding from training program to welcoming the first customer on the farm
d) Resource mapping , financial as well as registration guidance
e) Visit to an ongoing Agri Tourism Farm to practically understand the theory explained
f) Updates about the National and International events (exhibitions, conferences etc) on Agri Tourism
g) Information on the study tour organised for the farmers from India to International Agri Tourism Centres
h) Member of Agri Tourism India family
