Odisha Advances Rural Transformation through Agro-Tourism Workshop

Government fosters a sustainable rural economy by integrating tourism with agriculture under Vision 2036

Bhubaneswar : In a significant step towards redefining rural livelihoods and fostering tourism-based economic growth, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, organized a high-impact Workshop on Agro-Tourism today. The event brought together enthusiastic agro-landowners, progressive farmers, policy makers, and subject experts to explore the vast potential of agro-tourism as a transformative force in the rural economy.

The workshop was co-chaired by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Smt. Pravati Parida, and Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, underscoring the government’s integrated and collaborative approach to rural development. Both leaders emphasized the importance of converging agriculture and tourism to create supplementary income, enhance rural pride, and develop sustainable enterprise models across Odisha.

Converging Policy, Practice and Potential

As part of Odisha’s Vision 2036 framework, the state has identified 15 priority rural destinations for integrated development. The Department of Tourism is promoting the establishment of Agro-Tourism Units that offer immersive rural experiences—ranging from farm stays, traditional Odia cuisine, handicrafts and nature trails to hands-on agricultural engagement. These initiatives are designed to create new income opportunities for agro-landowners, self-help groups (SHGs), and rural communities, contributing to inclusive and sustainable rural enterprise.

Officials from the Tourism Department outlined the roadmap for integrating agro-tourism into Odisha’s broader tourism ecosystem. Case studies and success models were shared by experts from Maharashtra and other leading states. The discussion also focused on investment facilitation, digital visibility, and support mechanisms through the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY)—a scheme offering capital subsidies, training, and employment-linked incentives for agro-tourism entrepreneurs.

Empowering Farmers as Experience Providers

The workshop stressed Odisha’s commitment to developing a community-driven agro-tourism model that places rural communities at the centre of tourism development. Farmers and agro-landowners were empowered to reimagine their farms as destinations for learning, leisure, and livelihood. Special focus was placed on women-led initiatives, youth entrepreneurship, and SHG involvement as key pillars of Odisha’s rural growth agenda.

Speaking at the event, senior officials reiterated that agro-tourism would help diversify Odisha’s tourism portfolio while promoting cultural preservation, local economic upliftment, and rural pride. The workshop served as a platform for strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, offering valuable insights for future pilot projects.

As part of the experience-sharing segment, two renowned experts—Shri Pandurang Taware, considered a pioneer of agro-tourism in India, and Shri Jayram HR, a champion of responsible tourism—shared their expertise. Shri Taware provided practical examples from his grassroots work in Maharashtra, demonstrating how traditional farming can evolve into profitable, experience-rich tourism. Shri Jayram highlighted successful community-based models that prioritize ecological stewardship, capacity building, and visitor engagement.

Their inputs provided a clear and actionable roadmap for Odisha to align its agro-tourism strategy with sustainable development goals and inclusive rural growth.

The workshop concluded with an interactive session, where attendees—including farmers, SHG members, officials, and entrepreneurs—shared ideas and pledged commitment to launch pilot agro-tourism projects across select districts. Odisha’s agro-tourism initiative promises to build meaningful connections between agriculture and tourism, empowering rural communities to shape the future of the state’s tourism economy.

Tanuja Mohanty
PRO