The final day of the 3-day Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Kota witnessed a session on ‘Promoting Agri Tourism in Kota Region’. Agri tourism can be done with the most basic elements prevalent in a farmer’s daily life. This was informed by Minister for Public Works Department, Transport, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Yunus Khan. He further added that a harmonious blend of traditional food, comfortable accommodation, entertaining farm activities as well as marketing through the right channels can open up ample avenues for Agri Tourism in the Division.
The session highlighted the need to view agricultural activities from a tourism aspect. The seminar was chaired by Special Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Borad. Mr. Borad said that agri tourism is a sustainable multifaceted growth engine which provides economic, social and environment returns.
Managing Director, Agri Tourism Development Company Pvt. Ltd (ATDC), Mr. PandurangTaware said that agri tourism is not just for the benefit of the farmers but also essential for the sustainability of the entire village. Highlighting various sources of income in agri tourism he said that farm tours, farm stays, serving traditional food, involving tourists in farm activities can be facilitated for the visitors. He further added that on site sale of fresh farm produce and processed farm products as well as revenue generation through sale of crafts and souvenirs can also benefit the farmers.
Director, SahajAgrofarm India, Mr. VigyanGadodia explained that agri tourism is a set of programmes and activities which allow the host farmers to offer leisure, learning, entertainment and spiritual services to tourists in an economically profitable manner. He emphasized that because Kota region is a water rich vegetable growing belt it is most attractive to this form of tourism. Furthermore, the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project (DMIC) presents a great marketing opportunity for the farmers to attract more tourists to their farms.
Associate Professor and Research Awardee, School of Heritage Tourism and Muselogy, University of Kota, Dr. Anukrati Sharma said that agri tourism can act as a lifesaver in the Kota region where many students are plagued by extreme pressure to perform well academically. She further added that this form of tourism can help create positive, memorable experiences for students by offering emotional rewards. The students will also be able to enhance their agricultural knowledge and improve the farm’s ambience.
Dr. Sharma also offered suggestions like renting bicycles, offering virtual tours of farms, setting up yoga and meditation centers, aromatherapy spas, temples and Ayurvedic centers to enhance the tourism experience of the visitors.
Exclusive startup pavilion showcased Rajasthan’s farmers and Agri Entrepreneurs products
EXHIBITION ATTRACTED LARGE FOOTFALLS AT GRAM
Jaipur, 26 May. Spread over a total area of 7800 square meters the exhibition was a favorite spot for the farmers at Mega Agro event. Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM 2017) at Kota has given an opportunity to the farmers to expose them to modern technologies & equipment in Agriculture, Agro Processing & livestock sector.
Elaborate stalls were set up under various categories like farm machinery and allied services, Agri-inputs and protected cultivation. Also on display is machinery of irrigation, plasticulture and precession farming, food and food processing technologies, dairy and livestock, among others.
Held at the sprawling RAC Ground, Shivpura, the exhibition showcased global best practices and best of technologies suited to the agro-climatic conditions of Rajasthan.
To promote agri-entrepreneurship, a special pavilion on startups was also setup. The pavilion also had on display indigenous products developed by Rajasthan’s farmers and Agri-entrepreneurs and received huge numbers of queries and interest from young farmers.
Furthermore, there was another special pavilion on organic farming as well to promote herbal and medicinal plants. Similarly, there was a dedicated pavilion for Farm Mechanisation wherein various machineries and the benefits of using modern mechanisation were displayed and their working explained by experts.
It is to be noted that these farm machineries are used for land preparation, Post-Harvest Management (PHM) Processing, moisture, grading, conservation, sorting, seed & fertilizer placement, polishing, waxing, plant protection, packaging, harvesting and transportation logistics.
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