Agri-tourism Policy: Tourism Directorate appeal farmers to become self-reliant

Aurangabad, Oct 12:

As a part of Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2016, the state government had approved the inclusion of rural tourism and agriculture tourism (also called agri-tourism) on September 28, 2020. The decision aim at generating one million jobs by 2025. Hence, the deputy director (Tourism Directorate), Dr Shrimant Harkar, has appealed to the farmers of Marathwada to avail benefit offered under the policy to promote agri-tourism.

" The desirous villager or farmer will have to register his centre stating the facilities provided to the tourists visiting their place. The policy will help generate employment for farmers, women and youths at the village level," said Harkar.

The press release issued by the office urged the desirous persons to contact the office on landline number 0240-2345075. Apply for online application on website www.maharashtratourism.gov.in. The registration fee for the first time is Rs 2,500, and Rs 1,000 will have to be paid for renewal every five years.

The registered agri-tourism centre will have to mention whether it will provide lodging, boarding or kitchen service to the tourists. The government will issue a registration certificate, which would help the owner of the centre to procure a loan from the bank, stated the release issued by the Tourism Directorate (Aurangabad).

As a part of tourism policy, the centres would also get benefits in service tax, electricity charges etc. The government will also recommend farmers desirous to build ''shet tale'' (farm pond) in their farms. The centres could also enjoy government schemes of the state and the central governments encouraging to erect greenhouse, undertake horticulture or vegetable cultivation etc. The gas connection would be provided in their kitchens, while residential electricity charges will be levied upon them to run the centre. The government will also conduct training programmes and guide the farmers in establishing the agri-tourism centres and promote rural tourism, added the release.