Who Started Agri Tourism in India?

By Michael Ferguson

Agri-tourism, a unique concept that combines the pleasures of agriculture and tourism, is becoming increasingly popular in India. But who started this trend in the country?

The origins of agri-tourism in India can be traced back to the early 1990s when a group of farmers from Maharashtra came up with an idea to showcase their farms to tourists. These farmers had noticed that people from cities were craving for an escape from their hectic lives and wanted to experience rural life. Thus, they saw an opportunity to not only earn extra income but also promote their farming practices.

The first agri-tourism venture in India was started by Mr. Pandurang Taware in 1994 at his farm in Neral, Maharashtra. He named his farm “Agri Tourism Development Company” and it became a hit among tourists who wanted to experience rural life. Mr. Taware offered visitors a chance to stay at his farm, indulge in farming activities like ploughing, sowing, and harvesting, and also learn about organic farming practices.

Following the success of Mr. Taware’s venture, many other farmers across Maharashtra started similar agri-tourism ventures. The state government soon realized the potential of this concept and decided to promote it further.

In 2005, the Maharashtra government launched a dedicated agri-tourism policy aimed at promoting rural tourism and providing additional income sources for farmers. The policy provided subsidies for setting up agri-tourism ventures and also laid down guidelines for ensuring the safety and comfort of tourists.

Today, agri-tourism has become a popular activity across India with several states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan promoting it actively. Agri-tourism has not only provided an additional source of income for farmers but has also helped in preserving traditional farming practices.

In conclusion, Mr. Pandurang Taware can be credited with starting the agri-tourism trend in India with his venture in Neral, Maharashtra. His initiative has inspired several other farmers and has led to the growth of agri-tourism as a popular activity in India.