Initiative| Maharashtra Govt to host International Conference on Agri Tourism
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The event will offer an overarching understanding of the agri-tourism sector, its challenges and opportunities, and will develop recommendations and an action plan that will guide the efforts of strengthening the agri-tourism sector
Maharashtra is the pioneer State to develop and promote Agri Tourism in the country. To further promote it in the State and commemorate the 14th World Agri-Tourism Day (16th May), the Department of Tourism, Maharashtra Government in partnership with Agri Tourism Development Corporation India, is organizing ‘INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGRI TOURISM’ on 15th and 16th May 2021.
The objective of the conference is to explore sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities for rural women through Agri-Tourism.
The conference will provide a platform for national and international experts, researchers and farmers to share their experience and present examples on successful agri-tourism practices from various countries including Italy, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, Uganda, South Africa, Philippines, Scotland, Spain and Thailand.
The event will offer an overarching understanding of the agri-tourism sector, its challenges and opportunities, and will develop recommendations and an action plan that will guide the efforts of strengthening the agri-tourism sector. Furthermore, it will showcase the vital role played by the Rural Women as enablers of sustainable and socially responsible tourism.
The international conference will also celebrate the excellence and success of Women farmers and Agri-tourism practitioners by felicitating them with ‘World Agri Tourism Awards 2021’, selected by International Agri-tourism Awards Committee.
The prestigious award recipients are as follow:
• Ms Charinee Chaiyochlarb, Mini Murrah Farm, Thailand- She imported 50 buffaloes from India in 2003 to start her Murrah Dairy Company. The agri-tourism center supports the women of her village as well.
• Mrs. Scottie Jones, Leaping Lamb Farm & Farm Stay- Oregon, America- She popularized Farm Stays in America. Leaping Lamb Farm has 6 lettable rooms and receives many guests.
• Dr. Meena Gabor, International School of Sustainable Tourism, Philippines – Former Secretary of Tourism, Republic of the Philippines, she played a huge role in or the development, promotion, and operation of sustainable tourism in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
• Caroline Miller, The Hideaway Experience Balkello Farms, Scotland - She runs an agri-tourism company called ‘Go Rural’ and has worked extensively toward the development of agri-tourism in Scotland.
• Jacqui Taylor, Founder & Managing Director Agri-tourism South Africa and Agri-tourism Africa - With over 30 years of experience in the Tourism and Agriculture industries, she has been promoting on agri-tourism and Sustainable Tourism initiatives in Africa.
• Maria Baryamujura, Founder of Cobati, Uganda - She is focused on empowering local communities which are near areas of high tourism potential to develop homestays and grassroots tourism attractions.
• Mrs. Kasar Nanda, owner of Meher Retreat Agri Tourism Center, Pune- She runs an agri-tourism center spread over 27 acres. Through her efforts, she has been able to enhance livelihood opportunities for women in her village.
• Mrs. Sangita Bhapkar, Nisarg Sangeet Agri-Tourism Centre, Morgaon, Baramati- She runs an agri-tourism center spreading over 5 acres.
• Dr. Ashwini Kotkar, Dirghayu Agri-Tourism Centre, Birwadi, Shahapur, Thane- She owns an orchard of 45 acres and grows mangoes using the organic method of farming.
Under the Government initiative category, Department of Tourism, Maharashtra Govt. wins the award for its tremendous contribution to the development of agri-tourism in the State and providing sustainable employment opportunities to the farming community.
Maharashtra has over 1000 Agri-Tourism centers which are empowering farmers and rural communities to enhance their economic viability and resilience. The centers are contributing majorly to the strengthening of livelihoods for women in rural areas.
To register for the ‘International Conference on Agri Tourism’, please click on this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L5bxfsLCRsyGJhivf84MIA
