| Subject: Agri Tourism in Maharashtra |
| ATDC along with Baramati, finalises 40 New Agri Tourism Destination in Maharashtra
Maharashtra Krushi Paryatan Yojana 2007 enter its final stage.
The shorlisting of 40 new Agri Tourism destination across Maharashtra is complete, (The list of the short listed farmers is available in ATDC Pune office) the process for the selection started in the month of Dec 2006, took 3 months to complete the visits of each and every farmers site by our technical person, the site visits where conducted by Prof Prasad Magdum Msc Agri (Env), Manager Extension ATDC.
The huge response received by our farming community from across Maharashtra State indicates that the sun of tourism industry wants to arise on the agriculture fields.
The selection criteria was very simple, the main concentration was the needs and wants of the Urban Tourists from near by metro cities, basically when the urban tourist arrives on the farmers agri tourism destination
Three Agri Tourism basics were weighted:
* Have something for tourists/ visitors to see,
* Something for tourists / visitors to do,
* Something for tourists / visitors to buy. ...
ATDC have given preferences to all those farmers, who is ready to provide all these 3 objectives, along with clean and hygienic place for the overnight stay, food and safety to the urban tourists. Then later on the near by sightseeing places in the radius of 10 to 15 kms from the destination. There were more than 200 farmers applied for the agri tourism destination recognition but as of now ATDC have selected only 40 odd farms that can be given agri tourism destination recognition
Agri Tourism
Entertainment farming and agritourism activities offer opportunities for on-site farm visits, the chance to talk with farm personnel and the opportunity to observe and understand modern farm methods. Farm tours and activities offer access to working family farms, educational tours, photo opportunities, take-home products, farm meals and friendly and informative workers.
Entertainment farming activities offer a chance to turn a working farm into an adventure for others, as well as to diversify a business and to increase income. A farm operation can attract a diverse consumer base
by offering the public something unique. The terms agritourism and entertainment farming are often used interchangeably. In a general sense, both types of operations seek customers who are interested in a farm experience of some sort. A primary distinction in the two terms is most likely the intended customer.
Agritourism customers tend to be thought of as out-of-town tourists, while entertainment-farming activities often target local customers (school tours, youth groups, senior citizen clubs, etc.).
The term agritourism emerged during the 1990s to describe anything that relies or builds on the relationship between farming and tourism.
Similarly, entertainment farming activities are enterprises operated for the enjoyment and education of the public that may also generate additional farm income by promoting farm products
Agritainment activities may be week-end only, weekday only, seasonal, full-time, primary or supplemental farm enterprises.
The term agritainment is often coined to represent the overall industry that encompasses agritourism and entertainment farming.
Pros, Cons and Considerations of Agri Tourism Activities
Agri Tourism offer opportunities to diversify the farm business. Such activities offer additional income opportunities and may provide safe alternatives for family members as well as opportunities to promote the critical yet diminishing industry of agriculture.
However, entertainment farming activities may result in extra responsibilities, require additional labor, interfere with ongoing
farm activities, lead to a deterioration in privacy and increase the farm’s exposure to risk and liability.
Starting an entertainment farming operation requires consideration of a number of factors. Some factors that should be considered are presented below
* what are the goals and philosophy of the entire family?
This is important so the entire family supports the business.
* Profit and nonprofit objectives?
Should clearly be understood as they relate to the agri tourism business.
* Social skills are very critical to the success of the business.
The people involved in the operation need to be “social people.” They need to enjoy being around people and having people on their property, be open to questions, be able to sell themselves and their business to prospective customers and be flexible. Customers may interrupt the work schedule and this cannot be perceived as an annoyance.
What It Takes to Succeed
Research has shown that a unique product is essential to the success of an agritourism business. Also critical to success is the adoption of a marketing approach for the business that matches the business
identity (who you are or want to be) with the customer’s image of the activity/product. Customers are not just interested in the produce available; they are interested in the total package. That is, they are looking for the product combined with the overall farm experience. The overall farm experience includes special services provided (not all of which have to be free) plus the friendly, local atmosphere created. The goal should be to uniquely position the items (product + special service +
atmosphere) in the minds of the customers.
“You cannot be all things to all people.” Therefore, select the market or target group you would like to attract and determine what you can offer them that will make them see you as a unique business.
For More Information you can write to
Pandurang Taware
Director
Marketing & Sales
Agri Tourism Development Corporation
1st Floor Karnik Heritage
Lane opp OBC Bank
F.C.Road Deccan Gymkhana
Pune - 411004
Tel 020 - 2553 5599 / 9600 / 0463
Maharashtra
India
www.agritourism.in
pandurang@agritourism.in
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| Posted by: Pandurang Taware on 9 Apr. 2007 |
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