Date:16/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/11/16/stories/2006111602532100.htm

Back 25 locations in Maharashtra identified for agri tourism

Our Bureau

Pune , Nov. 15

With the pilot project of agri tourism at Baramati attracting more than 7,000 visitors since inception (October 2005), the Agri Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has identified 25 more locations in Maharashtra.

Talking to presspersons, Mr Rajendra Pawar, Chairman and Managing Director, ATDC, said that farmers in the Malegaon district in Baramati have also earned a 25 per cent increase in their annual income by playing hosts to these visitors. Visitors participate in farming activities and enjoy authentic Maharashtrian rural food and village entertainment such as Bharud, Gondhal and Jagran. He said that of the 7,000 visitors, about 5,500 were from Maharashtra. It has also attracted visitors from Germany and Korea, he said, adding that it has tied up with the Dubai-based Experienced Holidays for routing tourists from Dubai to Pune. Pune has direct flights to Dubai. To promote agri tourism, Mr Pandurang Taware, Director - Sales and Marketing, said that the individual farmer or a village or trust could apply directly to ATDC, and an advisory council would select the farms.