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Friday, April 16, 2010

Edition 15: Pioneer of Agro Tourism


Being a son of the soil takes on a very different0 meaning for Pandurang Taware. Born into a farmer’s household, he chose to pursue a professional career in tourism instead. Today, the 39-year-old chief of the Agri Tourism Development Corporation has carved out a niche for himself by pioneering the concept of agri-tourism in India. Since he started this business four years ago, nearly 50,000 guests have flocked to his farms in Baramati, Maharashtra to spend a holiday, and learn a thing or two about rustic living. Besides other reasons, Pune is on the global map because agricultural tourism more popularly known as agri-tourism. A concept initiated by Taware has been recognised by the United Nation World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The organisation, Agri Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), came up with the concept two years ago to celebrate World Agritourism Day. Today this concept has been included in the world tourism event calender of 2010 released by the UNWTO. The event will be held in the city on May 16 at Balgandhrva Rangamandir. Taware, who comes from a farming family in Baramati himself, says, “Agri-tourism is not all about staying in a village and relishing the food. This is an opportunity to see the life of a farmer closely. They make up more than 60 per cent of India’s population. If you live on a farm, for whatever short duration and observe the daily chores of the villagers, you will surely learn to respect a farmer.” Taware got groups of farmers to come together and start co-operatives. So far, seven such agri-tourism co-operatives have been formed and started the Maharashtra State Agri and Rural Tourism Cooperatives Federation (MART). Besides Baramati, MART-affiliated members operate from 124 dedicated sites across Maharashtra. This has benefitted over 400 farmers so far. Now ATDC plans to expand its business to the economically backward regions of Maharashtra so farmers here can benefit from agritourism. Taware has a farm at Baramati where he developed an agri-tourism site four years ago.As many as 22 agri-tourism sites have been developed around Pune. Agri-tourism gives guests a chance to experience activities like milking cows, picking fruits, visiting wineries, swimming in a pond or bathing near a well.

2 comments:

  1. many people would like to do this activity,so why don't you collect them and start "Shramadan".




















    Gr8 going Panduranga !many people would like to participate in your activity.as it is you have taken initiative why don't you start "Shramadan mohim"!It is rather duty of every person to work in the agriculture& help the farmers !I'll be the first person to do Shramadan .My best wishes are always with you .Best of luck !Sadhana .

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  2. I like this article and very glad to know abt. Agri Tourism.Soon m planning to visit there.

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