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With a public debt exceeding ?1 lakh crore, Himachal Pradesh (HP) is actively exploring sustainable and innovative ways to boost its economy. Tourism contributes around 7% to the state's GDP, and the state is now integrating agriculture with tourism through agritourism to enhance rural livelihoods and extend tourist engagement.

What is Agritourism?

Agritourism is a form of tourism where visitors are engaged in agricultural activities such as farm stays, crop tours, and interactive farming experiences. It provides farmers with additional income, promotes sustainable tourism, and preserves agricultural and cultural heritage.

Opportunities and Features in Himachal Pradesh

Crop and Farm-Based Tourism

• Tulip farming in Kangra has already attracted tourist interest.
• Scope for cultivation of high-value crops like saffron and Himalayan medicinal herbs.
• Promotion of nutraceutical farming to tap into the growing demand for preventive health-based tourism.

Educational Tourism

• Farm visits can be organized for school and college students to raise awareness about food systems and sustainability.
• Farmers can charge nominal fees, benefiting financially while educating the younger generation.

Cultural and Experiential Engagement

• Local youth can be involved in storytelling, showcasing unique farming practices and regional traditions.
• Farm stays, panchayat-level fairs, and cultural activities (folk music, traditional cuisine) can enrich tourist experiences.

Economic and Employment Benefits

• Diversifies farmer income beyond conventional crops like apples.
• Creates jobs for local guides, cooks, transport providers, and artisans, particularly empowering rural women and youth.

Market Integration

• Organizing crop fairs and displaying agricultural products in urban spaces (e.g., malls) can help secure pre-orders and boost local brands.
• Encourages direct farmer-consumer connections.

Environmental and Social Impact

• Promotes organic farming, eco-friendly practices, and water conservation.
• Builds social capital by fostering urban-rural understanding and collaboration.
• Requires visitor sensitization and capacity building among locals to ensure respectful, responsible tourism.

Learning from Other States

• Maharashtra: First state to promote agritourism (Agro-Tourism Development Corporation, 2005); successful models include Baramati's pilot farm and Nashik’s vineyards.
• Kerala: Agro-Tourism Network for spice cultivation experiences.
• Sikkim: Organic farming tourism in the first organic state of India.
• Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, NE States: Promote local heritage, farming traditions, and eco-tourism (e.g., Ziro Valley’s wet rice farming, Amul’s dairy tourism).

Policy and Government Support

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Develops thematic rural and tribal tourism circuits.
• DekhoApnaDesh: Encourages domestic tourism in lesser-known destinations.
• PMJUGA: Focus on tribal homestays and livelihood promotion.
• National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays (2022): Supports agritourism under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: Helps build infrastructure and marketing support for farm-based tourism.

Way Forward for Himachal Pradesh

• Develop a dedicated agritourism policy, like Goa’s, focusing on farm diversification and long-term returns.
• Promote public-private partnerships (PPP) for integrated agritourism models in each district.
• Leverage the nutraceutical potential of Himalayan herbs to attract health-conscious visitors.
• Institutionalize farm festivals, crop exhibitions, and story-driven agritourism to diversify Himachal’s tourism landscape.