Globally, the agri-tourism market was valued at $42.46 billion in 2019 and is projected to succeed in $62.98 billion by 2027, rising at a CAGR of 13.4 per cent from 2021 to 2027. Agri-tourism contains quite a lot of actions and companies and it is generally thought-about to be a low-investment, low-risk sector. It will possibly gas rural economies by means of the multiplier impact and the advantages shared amongst completely different companies inside the group.
Agri-tourism was formally initiated and recognised by Italy in 1985, when the nation’s parliament and senate handed the Nationwide Authorized Framework for Agri-tourism. The basic idea of agri-tourism was entrepreneurial diversification of a farm. This was later amended to ‘Rules of Agri-tourism’, which privatised and prolonged the idea of agri-tourism to agricultural corporations.
Agri-tourism is regulated on the regional degree in some international locations, equivalent to Spain, moderately than on the nationwide degree, or by means of a nationwide framework regulation. That is because of the regional autonomous communities’ experience in tourism administration. Many states within the US have handed agri-tourism legal guidelines, which can present an affirmative defence to lawsuits introduced by injured clients.
Agri-tourism in India
Income from agri-tourism is rising at an annual fee of 20 per cent in India. Maharashtra is the primary State to formulate an agri-tourism coverage, which goals at rural growth. The coverage governs who can have interaction in agri-tourism and tips on how to apply for loans and tax advantages. It additionally directs that for registration approval, agri-tourism centres will need to have some fundamental necessities.
In 2018-20, 17.9 lakh vacationers visited these agri-tourism centres within the State, serving to farmers earn ₹55.79 crore. It additionally generated one lakh jobs for rural girls and youth.
Karnataka’s coverage addresses two key challenges — consciousness and capability constructing — for the event of agri-tourism within the State. The coverage additionally seeks collaborative help from varied departments and establishments. In response to the coverage be aware, agri-tourism tasks are eligible for incentives, subsidies and concessions.
Kerala, on its half, has determined to arrange the Kerala Agri-tourism Community to ensure financial advantages to the farming group, by linking farming actions with tourism.
The report of the committee on Doubling of Farmers’ Revenue (DFI) emphasised the necessity for a coverage for growing agri-tourism. Retaining this in view, the Ministry of Tourism not too long ago got here up with a ‘Draft Nationwide Technique for Promotion of Rural Homestays – An initiative in direction of Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ Beneath this, agri-tourism has been included.
Nonetheless, regional growth insurance policies are equally necessary within the push for agri-tourism . Regional insurance policies are important as they concentrate on higher exploitation of native sources, and provision of applicable infrastructure community and important companies to vacationers in a particular area.
Among the measures that should be thought-about whereas implementing agri-tourism are:
State governments should type a separate committee for formulating tips for agri-tourism. The rules could embrace not serving prohibited supplies and offering for utmost security of the shoppers.
State tourism departments should present a separate licence below agri-tourism to be eligible for getting loans and tax advantages. Co-operative societies could also be included in offering mortgage services to develop agri-tourism.
Native administrations equivalent to village panchayats may help within the coordination and facilitation of agri-tourism as a result of panchayats have a powerful affect on native communities and their help is necessary to the success of agri-tourism.
State tourism departments should organise seasonal festivals together with agri-tourism farms for a wider attain.
Rural youth could also be skilled for agri-tourism by providing diploma/licensed programs.
Consciousness of agri-tourism must be elevated by means of on-line and social media platforms as a result of vacationers are extremely influenced by social media. As an illustration, Unimaginable India and Enchanting Tamil Nadu digital platforms could be utilised for selling agri-tourism.
Advertising could also be in partnership with the journey commerce and on-line platforms, as agri-tourism centres can profit from theformer’s community and advertising and marketing experience.
The hospitality companies of agri-tourism farms could be improved by roping in professionals to impart coaching. State governments should organise workshops to complement the hospitality expertise of farm resort house owners and native communities of the area, to make sure higher buyer expertise.
Sarath is ICSSR Doctoral Fellow, and Sivakumar is Professor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural College, Coimbatore
Revealed on
September 16, 2022