Pairing agriculture with tourism - Maharashtra Tourism Department urges beneficiaries to tap into the Agro-Tourism Policy

Mumbai : The Maharashtra Tourism Department is rolling out its Agro-Tourism Policy with a clear goal to raise farmers' incomes, energise the rural economy, and create new employment opportunities by connecting farming with tourism. Under the policy, registered agro-tourism centres can access a range of government concessions, training programs, registration support, and financial benefits. The department is encouraging farmers and rural residents across the state to make the most of this opportunity.

Centres that register under the policy receive an official certificate from the Tourism Department. That certificate carries real weight as it helps operators secure bank loans and qualify for concessions on GST and electricity charges. Registered centres also get priority access to the Water Conservation Department's farm pond scheme, along with benefits under various central and state government schemes covering greenhouses, orchards, and vegetable cultivation.

The Honourable Minister of Tourism Shri Shambhuraj Desai said, "The Agro-Tourism Policy is a significant step toward rural development, the financial empowerment of farmers, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. We've seen a strong response from across the state, with farmers building real economic strength through agro-tourism. Its effective rollout has given fresh momentum to rural employment and local development. I'd encourage more farmers, farmer producer organisations, and agro-entrepreneurs to come forward and benefit from it. The government remains committed to strengthening the role agro-tourism plays in the state's overall tourism growth."

Individual farmers, farmer co-operative societies, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural colleges, agricultural universities, and partnership firms or companies set up by farmers are all eligible to establish agro-tourism centres. Once registered, operators receive training in food safety, hygiene, hospitality, publicity, marketing, and visitor management.

A minimum of one acre of farmland is required to set up an agro-tourism centre. If the centre plans to host school trips, that requirement rises to five acres. Under the policy, centres are also required to provide visitors with clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, meals, safe accommodation, and eco-friendly amenities. Information and registration are available on the Tourism Department's official website, www.maharashtratourism.gov.in.

Agro-tourism is giving farmers new ways to earn beyond traditional farming. Along with agriculture, they are taking up activities like greenhouses, dairy farming, fisheries, nurseries, animal husbandry, nature tourism, and wine tourism. These activities are creating additional income and generating more jobs in rural areas. At the same time, it offers urban tourists a chance to experience farming, rural culture, and nature firsthand. The scheme is proving to be an important driver of sustainable development and tourism growth in Maharashtra's rural areas.

The Agro-Tourism Policy is bringing agriculture and tourism together in a co-ordinated way. It is doing important work on multiple fronts like raising farmers' incomes, driving rural employment generation, and strengthening sustainable tourism across Maharashtra.