There’s nothing more therapeutic than spending time with nature and slowing down moments whizzing past before you can savour them. A visit to a sequestered farm at the far end of the horizon can do just that.
As nature-starved city dwellers, who are constantly racing against time, look to get a slice of the rural life to rejuvenate themselves, farmers can monetise this urge. This is what is bringing tourism and agriculture together for agritourism in Goa.
When tourism is one of the mainstays of Goa, and when – once upon a time, i.e. at the time of liberation – agriculture used to be the sole income generator for nearly 70 percent of its population, it was natural for the two to meet in the State.
Almost two decades after it took birth in Maharashtra, agritourism – in its true form – seems to have finally arrived in Goa. The State government’s new agriculture policy, announced last week, has decided to look at agritourism in a more focused way to attain sustainability and boost farmers’ income.
The State government’s new agriculture policy, announced last week, has decided to look at agritourism in a more focused way.
It could also prove be an effective way for farmers to promote their agricultural wares directly to their customers and improve their profit margins, which often get mercilessly snipped by the middlemen.
Currently, tourism revenue is around 16 percent of the State’s GDP while agriculture contributes six percent to it. Agritourism is expected to benefit both sectors.
What exists today in the name of ‘Agro Tourism’, as mentioned on the website of Goa’s Directorate of Agriculture, is a watered-down version of it. At present, the opportunity in this space is being mostly exploited by owners of spice and horticulture plantations.
A State government document states, “Farmers having agriculture as base with spice plantation/horticulture plantation, floriculture and nature resources like rivers, ponds, rich biodiversity, jungles with various flora and fauna, adventurous sports, healthy and peaceful environment with entertainment are venturing into this business along with agriculture”.
At present, the opportunity in this space is being mostly exploited by owners of spice and horticulture plantations.
The new farm policy throws it open to farmers with at least 4000 sq m land. The details and guidelines of the policy are yet to be notified by the government.
That said, Goa is the right candidate for agritourism. Its seeds sown today can yield a good harvest for the agriculture and tourism sectors tomorrow, even as it wards off environmental side effects of traditional tourism.
Endowed with a wide river system – comprising Terakol, Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Baga, Sal, Talpona and Galgibaga rivers with their extensive network of tributaries – the coastal State is a farmers’ paradise.
Most of these rivers are perennial. The only thing marring the story is that of the 363 km of total length of the major river course, around 176 km is affected by tidal ingression or saltwater intrusion.
Despite all the favourable conditions – in terms of fertile land and water resources – for agricultural growth, farming as a livelihood or occupation in the State is on a steady decline.
As per the State’s Department of Agriculture, close to 35 percent of Goa’s total area is under cultivation, of which a little over a quarter of the land receives irrigation.
However, a disappointing fact is that despite all the favourable conditions – in terms of fertile land and water resources – for agricultural growth, farming as a livelihood or occupation in the State is on a steady decline.
According to government statistics, between 1971 and 2011, the percentage of the State’s population engaged in agriculture has slipped from 14 percent to 4 percent. This has led to Goa importing a substantial portion of its demand for food and dairy products from neighbouring States.
If the State government provides incentives under agritourism in its latest agriculture policy, it will encourage entrepreneurs in tourism sector to invest in farm tourism, which could give the agriculture sector the much-needed push the farmers need.
If the State government provides incentives under agritourism in its latest agriculture policy, it will encourage entrepreneurs in tourism sector to invest in farm tourism.
Agritourism was conceptualised in India by Pandurang Taware in Maharashtra in 2005. Taware’s Agri Tourism India (ATDC) today covers 200 villages. Its concept goes beyond economics to instil environmental awareness among its customers.
Typically, an agritourism venture would offer a rural experience to its customers that would include farm tours, roadside stands, bed and breakfast at a farm, cattle drives and more.
Agritourism is an idea whose time has come in Goa. If properly implemented, it can give a bumper crop of economic returns to the State.
