Agritourism - the real savior for all !!!
Absolutely true !!! Without any doubt !!!
The families living in the cities had the habit of outings as the integral part of their routine, at least once in a week. But last four months Covid 19 has changed this restricting us to venture out. The entertainment has taken the backseat and survival has become the priority for everyone. The need to cut the cycle of spreading of virus has become the priority for everyone.
As they say, its always advisable to travel safe, hence please go through the link below.
Before planning any outing, go to the link below and read the rules
http://tourism.gov.in/dept-guidelines/ 13
And keep yourself and others safe.
Now coming back to the point of venturing out……
The monsoons are making their presence felt. A boat ride in the Pench Reservoir can be enjoyed by everyone. Very recently I had enjoyed the boat ride and I assure you that it’s the out of the world experience. The local travel agents who were accompanying on the ride shared the same opinion.
For those who want to soak
themselves in the rain have another
option of trek to Ramtek fort. During the trek they should pack the locally
made ‘Spicy Chiwda’ in their backpack. It’s a very good snack and I am saying this
as I have experienced it !!!
Well, the monsoon tourism is yet to make its mark among the people as we are
still looking for the takers. Long back we had tried for the waterfall rappelling
at Chikhaldara. In the central region the concept of enjoying rains needs a lot
of convincing. People enjoy eating onion bhajias more during the rains rather than going for the trek!!!
The actual weather of picnicking starts here in October and continues till March. School-college
student trips , family trips , government and private sector trips go for this
season. We call is as cricketing season !!! You can watch Tests or ODIs at
Jamtha Stadium during this period.
But, the situation is different this year. We have been warned to stay away from crowds , avoid going to crowded
places for the valid reason of the virus spreading more in crowd and so on.
So how do families satisfy their cravings ?
I had mentioned Agritourism earlier. Some enthusiastic farmers have
approached me and requested to give information. This is try to explain the
concept in simplistic manner.
I studied tourism during my post graduation but at the same time I also worked as a professional for selling organic fertilizers and organic pesticides to the farmers for almost fourteen years. Very hardworking farmers have come in contact with me and by the grace of God are still in touch with me.
My work took to various villages almost all over India. I have been
fascinated by the methods of farming. I have visited villages famous for producing
the unique crops like turmeric, garlic, ginger etc. Some villages were picturesque
on the banks river, some had at least a century old temple, besides a hillock,
these hillocks were covered with trees making it more beautiful. The tinkling
of bells tied around the necks of the cows and goats returning during the dusk, the
dust and the smoky blanket on the thatched houses would give a special aura. All
these scenes have always captivated my mind.I have fond memories of our village from childhood, permanently etched in
the memory. My farmer friends often help me in reconnecting with these memories.
Likewise, there are many families in the city who I am sure would like to enjoy
just like me.
In the current situation, its mandatory to take care of ourselves and our
fellow farmers. If we look at the total population of Nagpur today, fifty five
to sixty percent of the people do not have agriculture background. The children
in these families do not know what agriculture is. They are ignorant of the
very fact of How are vegetables grown in the field ? What is a lemon tree like
? How do cattle, oxen and goats live ? How is milking done ? .
Our main source of transport like bus and train services are on hold.
Assuming that the Covid 19 shall be overstaying
with us for coming months, will you not opt for a farm visit and at least
give your children a chance of enjoying the farm life?
Definitely !!!
This is where the responsible tourism comes into picture. Keep social
distance ,wearing the mask, Use of sanitizer and last but not the least, you
should have the Arogya Setu app in your
mobile. As I have already insisted to go through the link which gives do’s and dont’s
and introduces us to the rules and regulations for bed and breakfast
accommodation, home stay and farm stay as per the Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India . It will always remain
binding for farmers and visitors.
Looking at the overall trend, come October, after the monsoons, people shall opt for the weekend outings. Initially they will travel within a hundred or one hundred and fifty kilo meters from the city on their own car or on the bike. It is hard to believe that people shall stay home. They shall at least go somewhere with the family for a picnic and get refreshed.
This will be the golden opportunity for the farmers to grab. If the farmers
show readiness, a revolutionary
foundation of rural tourism - agritourism will surely be laid this year.
A Simple Definition of Agritourism - The hospitality extended to the
guests by a farmer on his working farm and the revenue generated from it. This is not a new concept in my view . Even in the past, we used to go to
our friends' farm to have rural lunch, enjoy oranges, sweet lime, guava etc.
Some friends remember the rural games
they used to play. Many of us still remember the bullock cart races. The need
to commercialize the concept has become a necessity.
I have a request to the farmers. This year plan for welcoming the guests on your farm and this should be the part of your program
along with planning of crops. Make special clean seating arrangement in the shadow, keep play area for small
children, make them enjoy bullock-cart ride, keep it simple and safe, guests
should enjoy the rustic environment, the rural cuisine and the rural games.
Take the guests on a stroll in the village, introduce them to the village life,
take them to the ancient temple in the village,
entertain them with the stories of the village but, while doing this, the
safety of the guests should be at the forefront.
Farmers should look at this as a useful side business just like poultry,
floriculture, fisheries or the goat farming. Be careful that your farm does not
become a resort. Otherwise, knowingly or unknowingly, the concept of
Agritourism will be diluted. This wonderful confluence of knowledge and
entertainment should be witnessed by all.
Awareness about agrotourism has been created in our area in the last ten
to twelve years. I have been witness to many events like the Ladies club
meetings , grandparents 'wedding anniversaries , children get – together, the
Silver Jubilee of school-college friends , school trips etc. The farmers from other villages can also visit
such farms as Farm visits.
The important thing today is to make these guests feel like they should come here again and again. To generate revenue form the activity is possible only when there is something special in your farm. When the guests comments, " We always feel happy visiting your farm !!!" will surely excite you. These same guests will recommend the rest of the people to visit your farm because of your healthy attitude of serving the guests. The word of mouth publicity surely helps in Agritourism.
One thing is for sure , your creativity will lead you on the path to
success. The field crop is our first responsibility, your first priority. There
is a story behind the way you farm , the
cropping patterns you follow, how you take care of the livestock, it simply depends
on your creativity to tell visitors in an interesting, entertaining manner. Especially,
the little ones/ kids accompanying the guests will listen and will surely
remember. Some of the interesting task can be to make them transplant the vegetable
seedlings, involve them in the field activity, make them plant a sapling, ask
them to get dirty in the mud, make them live the experience. I am sure, they
shall go back with the unforgettable memories..
These little boys and girls… .are my
real audience !!! ....my real target !!!
In city we buy oranges from the vendor, but when these kids go to the school
and tell their friends that we have
plucked the oranges from the tree and ate it, becomes the best ' Orange tourism ' advertisement.
The crushing of grapes with your feet in the barrel is an experience worth enjoying
You will see such advertisements in the coming days.
Amit Naseri
9422145190
It is the need of the day
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