Agritourism has long been popular in Europe, and it is only growing in popularity. According to Pandurang, he saw potential in attempting a similar model in India, so he relocated to his village in 2002 to figure out how to get started with agritourism.
Given how dependent farmers are on monsoons, government policies, and a variety of other external factors, finding ways to supplement their income has become critical. Pandurang Taware (52), a farmer’s son from Shangavi in Maharashtra’s Baramati district, claims that agritourism helped 628 farmers earn Rs 58 crore in the previous fiscal year (pre-COVID.
The journey
He grew up in a dysfunctional family where everyone was interested in farming.” He studied computer technology and worked in the tourism industry for nearly 20 years before returning to my village.”Returning to farming as a means of fulfilling my father’s goal in some ways.” He had hoped to pursue a degree in agriculture, but his grades were poor at the time. “He wanted to find a way to combine the two after enjoying my time in the tourism industry.
Father of the Agritourism
He is also known as the “Father of the Agritourism Concept” in India.”Coming to the village and starting over was a difficult transition for my wife, Vaishali Taware, who grew up in the city.”While she was hesitant at first, she has evolved into my staunchest supporter and cheerleader over the last 19 years.” “he claims.
Pandurang also states that when he married Vaishali, he was earning Rs 470 per month and that life was financially difficult for him. “Returning to the village meant also returning to our own home.”When I was 32 years old, I decided to leave a well-paying job to pursue agritourism,” he continues.
Agritourism has long been popular in Europe, and it is only growing in popularity
According to Pandurang, he saw potential in attempting a similar model in India, so he relocated to his village in 2002 to figure out how to get started with agritourism
Pandurang claims that before formally launching the agritourism concept in Maharashtra, he spent 2003 conducting a market sample survey that assisted him in structuring the entire concept.
