Farm Tourism Gives Haryana A Major Fillip

Jyoti Koul - New Delhi

Haryana tourism has tasted success in the area of farm tourism, giving the state a further impetus in the area of tourism. The state has registered high growth on tourism front especially in the area of farm tourism. The demand for farm holidays is so high that the Haryana tourism is adding about five more farm-houses to accommodate the growing demand. The state has identified Palwal, Hissar and Ambala as their new locations for farm tourism. These new farmhouses will be operational in about a month's time. The farm tourism is catching fast with the foreigners in general and Non Resident Indian (NRI) in particular. "The response to our farm tourism has been overwhelming. We had strategically identified foreigners, NRI's and upper urban class as our target market. We had promoted farm tourism last year during the Bharitya Parvasi Divas and it has worked so well for us. Recently, a team of farmers from Japan came over to Haryana to develop the model of farm tourism for Japan. So what could be more encouraging," mentioned a senior official from Haryana Tourism.

An official further added, "The state has already opened 13-farm house in various parts of the state like Faridabad, Guargoan, Rohtak, and Karnal etc. What is more the farm holidays is a cost-effective vacation and a novel concept. Infact, Haryana should be showcased as an example of leveraging its progressive agriculture (it is primarily an agricultural state) that serves as a role model for other state as to how a particular area can be explored to maximum so uniquely. The state is not only exposing its 'thrust activity' which is agriculture but is also promoting culture and traditions in the absence of any natural beauty like mountains or sea beaches."

Across the world, the share of farm tourism is nearly 40 per cent, thus, taking a cue from the benefits of this tourism aspect, the state plunged into the farm tourism. Haryana's farm tourism is regarded to be a comprehensive product mix with circuit development. The product offering includes visits to floriculture units, orchards, organic farms, and centres of naturopathy, traditional rural wrestling academies and herbal medicinal gardens. Farm tourism is also an attempt of the state to showcase the progress of its villages and the emerging employment opportunities.