Agritourism

Agritourism, also known as agrotourism, refers to any farm- or ranch-based activity that attracts visitors. In a country like India, where approximately 85% of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and allied activities, and agriculture contributes 26% to the nation's GDP, agritourism offers a unique opportunity to blend farming with tourism.

• It includes diverse experiences such as farm stands, u-pick services, school visits for agricultural education, overnight farm stays, recreational activities like horseback riding or hunting, and entertainment events like hayrides and harvest dinners. 
• Agritourism serves as an additional income source for farmers and supports the sustainability of small-scale farms.
• If sufficient land is available, the emerging field of ‘agri-tourism’ would be a good business.
• Plantlets of flowering, medicinal, ornamental, vegetable, and fruit trees can be produced on a large scale by the tissue culture technique. And, by growing some of the plants fully, a self-sufficient agritourism centre can be developed.

Some of the fruit trees in the agritourism centre

• Mango, chikoo (sapota), guava, coconut, custard apple, and some other regional fruit trees.
• Shade-giving local or exotic attractive plants.
• Ornamental and flowering plants.
• Butterfly garden.
• Medicinal plant garden.
• Organic vegetables and fruits.

Agritourism has become essential for the survival of many small farms by diversifying their income sources.

1. It gives farmers a steady income, especially when crops are not growing during the off-season.
2. It creates a separate source of income, so farms don’t have to rely only on traditional farming.
3. Agritourism also helps nearby rural areas by bringing in tourists, which boosts local businesses and the economy.
4. The extra visitors bring more income to rural communities, helping them grow and diversify.
5. It also teaches people about farming and builds stronger connections between city and rural life.