AP government to promote agriculture -tourism

​Hyderabad: The State government proposes to encourage agri-tourism which would help in giving a boost to rural economy and job opportunities in rural areas. Taking a leaf out of Maharashtra’s experience, the government has to bring convergence between the departments of Tourism and Agriculture for the purpose.

• Objective is to boost rural economy and encourage the farming community
• Officials of Agriculture and Tourism departments have been asked to prepare a draft policy
• Forest lodges likely to come up
• These can be venues for corporate houses to conduct meetings and workshops
• People will get an opportunity to take part in organic farming activity, visit flower and vegetable gardens, participate in bullock car and tractor rides and rural sports

According to sources, officials of agriculture and tourism departments have been asked to prepare a draft policy. Agri-tourism is basically where agriculture and tourism intersect, as farms and ranches invite the public onto their property to experience the out of doors, the leisure pace, and the healthy and nutritious produce that is only possible when it is picked fresh at the peak of perfection.

Agri-tourism, one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry, includes visits to working farms, ranches, and agricultural industries. Agri destinations offer a huge variety of entertainment, education, relaxation, outdoor adventures, shopping and dining experiences.

The main reason for the present initiative is because the number of people depending on agriculture has been going down considering it as non-remunerative. If the trend is not checked now it may adversely impact rural economy.

Despite launching farm mechanisation, introduction of new and best agricultural practices, bringing in agro-based food processing industries and the like, the trend of people leaving agriculture sector could not be arrested. It is against this backdrop that the government felt promotion of agri-tourism would boost rural economy and provide encouragement to farmers.

Exploring the rustic environs in the country yards is the modern day fad particularly among the youngsters who are emerging as decision makers driving their choices within the family, said a senior official from Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).

In Maharashtra and Karnataka, they have “Forest Lodges” and this has been a successful venture. Now, AP also wants to replicate the same model and would add some more new and local components to make it more attractive to domestic urban tourists and international tourists. It would also be ideal for individual and family weekend outings, meetings and organising workshops by corporate houses, school and college education tours.

The tourists will get an opportunity to participate in farming activities including organic farming, flower and vegetable gardens, bullock cart and tractor rides, rural sports, local dance and music events, swimming in village wells with adequate security, visiting local tourist places located in rural areas and a host of other things are considered to be included in the new initiative.

Selling organic grains and cereals, local made handicrafts and handlooms as part of the initiatives would also benefit creating self-employment to the rural folk, the sources added.

By VRC Phaniharan