Agri-Tourism Entrepreneurship: A Tool to Rural Development

Abstract

Government of India increased Rs. 525 to 2900 Crores in Xth five year plan for the promotion of this industry, Rs. 60 Crore sanctioned for promoting the brand. The major decision has taken is that an allocation of Rs. 50 lakhs per village for village tourism has been proposed, the states are also interested to float public-private partnership in this industry for fast development (ATDC). “During 11th Five-year plan (2007-12) Ministry of Tourism propose to continue supporting creation of world class infrastructure in the country so that existing tourism products can be further improved and expanded to meet new market requirements and enhance the competitiveness of India as a tourist destination” (MOT, India). Ministry of tourism of India is promoting Eco-tourism in the country and developing proper network for the development of Agri-tourism.

Agriculture is the backbone of Indian Economy, around 85 percent of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on Agriculture and almost one fourth of the GDP comes from the Agriculture sector only. 90 million farmers are dwelling in 6.25 lakh villages producing more than 200 MT of food grains feeding the country (Taware, CII). Agri-tourism is seen as virtually identical to its European equivalent “Farm-Tourism” (Busby and Rendle 2000; Getzand Carlsen 2000). Busby and Rendle (2000, p. 636) report an evolution of more than 13 definitions of farm tourism or agri-tourism currently in the literature. A great deal of interest has been focused on the area of agri-tourism in recent years (Bowen, Cox, and Fox 1991; Cawley et al. 1995; Davis and Gilbert 1992; Mjalager 1996; Nickerson, Black, and McCool 2001; Vogeler 1997). Many studies have focused on the rational for Agripreneurship Development. The obvious, and most prevalent, reasons for agri-tourism development are economically based on (Busby and Randle 2000; Weaver and Fennell 1997; Miller 1993; Nickerson, Black, and McCool 2001).