TravTalk India Online Magazine
Maharashtra tourism department is encouraging farmers to develop their lands for tourists looking for farm-stays, in keeping with its ‘Mahabhraman Scheme’.
HAZEL JAIN
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) recently organised a conference on National Agri Tourism on the occasion of the tenth World Agri Tourism Day in Mumbai. The objective was to create employment opportunities and boost investment in the agriculture sector that would encourage tourism. Jaykumar Rawal, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, was present at the conference and spoke about how farmers and other stakeholders can develop their skills and farms to attract more tourists looking for a rural, farm-stay experience. The conference also touched upon MTDC’s ‘Mahabhraman Scheme’ that showcases farmer’s lifestyle and experiencing different activities like planting trees, plucking fruits and vegetables, bullock cart rides, etc. “The Department of Tourism also intends to set up a government interface to cater to the needs of the agri-tour operators. This interface will coordinate and provide
The conference also touched upon MTDC’s ‘Mahabhraman Scheme’ that showcases farmer’s lifestyle and experiencing different activities like planting trees, plucking fruits and vegetables, bullock cart rides, etc. “The Department of Tourism also intends to set up a government interface to cater to the needs of the agri-tour operators. This interface will coordinate and provide link with regional and local government bodies to boost employment opportunities and sustainability in the agricultural sector,” Rawal revealed.
According to the minister, tourism is witnessing a reversal of trends wherein tourists from cities are looking to experience village life. Calling Maharashtra as the most urbanised state in India, he added that a lot of people didn’t know where local tourist destinations like Panvel, Kolhapur and Alibaug are or where the coastal forts are, how farming in India is done, etc. He also acknowledged work being done by Govardhan Eco Village located in Palghar which is the only destination in Asia to be awarded by UNWTO this year. MTDC has also signed a MoU with Airbnb to open up such experiences for international and domestic tourists and promote these unique experiences ranging from ecotourism to safaris, tribal lifestyles and handicrafts.
“The Department of Tourism also intends to set up a government interface to cater to the needs of the agri-tour operators” –Jaykumar Rawal Minister of Tourism Government of Maharashtra
New partnerships
- MTDC has also signed a MoU with Airbnb to promote ecotourism, safaris, tribal lifestyle, handicrafts
