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State Government Will Enact Agricultural Tourism Policy to Benefit Farmers and Boost Rural Employment


State Government Will Enact Agricultural Tourism Policy to Benefit Farmers and Boost Rural Employment
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The State Government has approved a new “agro-tourism” policy in an effort to improve and promote rural development via agricultural tourism as well as marketing. The government hopes that this move will also encourage folk and traditional arts while also allowing tourists to get a better idea of how rural farms work and giving them a feel of staying in a farm-environment devoid of air pollution.

“For those looking to travel, enjoying the rustic outdoors and spending time at farms, while indulging in eco-friendly tourism, organic local flavours and seasonal fruit picking, this policy will be an enabler,” State Tourism Minister, Aaditya Thackeray said. 

This move is also aimed at improving the employment of the rural population with a focus on boosting rural women and youth employment.  

Read - Devendra Fadnavis Alleges Selling Of Substandard Seeds To Farmers

Officials have mentioned that individual farmers or cooperative societies, colleges, and universities can also set up agro-tourism centres, with the Tourism Department providing a Registration Certificate for each legitimate enterprise. Further, interested farmers or societies can also obtain a bank loan for this purpose. 

The State Government is currently looking to encourage new agricultural companies with a time-oriented plan being contemplated for new agri-startups.

Farmers have faced several hurdles this year, including a locust attack on some crops across Maharashtra as well as the coronavirus pandemic which made it harder for their products to reach the destinations on time. Fortunately, the farmers didn’t have to contend with drought this year as in 2019.

The state has promised to take care of the farming community, though only time will tell if the government’s policies will end up benefiting the farmers in the long run. This is no doubt a time of recovery for the agricultural community not only in Maharashtra but also across several parts of India.  

Also read - CM Thackeray Seeking A Time-Oriented Plan To Boost Agricultural Startups
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