Dr Banarsi Lal
Real India, as we know, resides in the villages. Industrialization and development is mostly urban centric. The urban stress has led to growing interest in the rural areas. Agro-eco-tourism (AET) is a new concept in the tourism industry. It normally occurs on farms and is associated with the agriculture. It is the symbiotic association of farming sector, tourism industry and farm business. It can create the job opportunities for the rural people. This tourism enterprise possesses immense potential to boost the economic growth especially in developed countries. Environmental consciousness, increasing interest in culture and heritage, improving villages’ accessibility etc. are the factors responsible which are shifting the trend towards agro-ecotourism. Under this scheme key geographic regions are identified for the development of agro-ecotourism. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has an immense potential for agro-ecotourism due to its unique heritage, culture and natural attractions. Agro-ecotourism can be useful for J&K where about 80 per cent people reside in the villages. It can create new jobs in rural areas, attract many youths for rural employment and slow down the migration of rural people in the urban areas. Indeed, the economic activity occurs when people link travel with agricultural products, services or experiences to cater to the needs of mutual demands. Agro-ecotourism can provide an opportunity to experience the real enchanting and authentic contact with the rural life, taste the traditional food and get experience with the various farming tasks. Agro-Ecotourism is a niche and an emerging market segment of the tourism industry. It is modern concept to boost tourism activity in the farms. It offers scope for integration of farming activities, tourism industry and farm business. Agro-ecotourism is a strategy for long-term tourism development in rural areas that allows visitors to learn about the agricultural situations, local goods, traditional food, agricultural jobs as well as cultural components and traditions of rural people. This tourism enterprise keeps the tourists relaxed and helps to revitalize in the pure natural environment, surrounded by magnificent agricultural setting. It would also provide tourists with an opportunity to be close to where the 75 per cent of Indians live. Overall, the concept of agro-ecotourism entails visiting a working farm or any agriculture, horticulture or agribusiness operation, for the purpose of leisure, refreshment, recreation, education and active involvement in the activities of the agriculture including agricultural operations, fishing, dining and celebrating local festivals with the farming communities. The development of agro-ecotourism is primarily aimed to give awareness and knowledge on conservation of environment and natural resources in a participatory mode with farmers and to improve the socio-economic status of the farmers. Agro-ecotourism offers an opportunity to integrate different agricultural components such as integrated farming system, organic and natural farming, agro-processing etc.
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most beautiful tourists’ destinations in the world. This Union Territory(UT) is characterized by scenic beauty, folded mountains, deep gorges, natural waterfalls, alpine pastures, lush green forests, rich wild life, snow clad fields, carpet green turfs, gushing fountains, lofty skying grounds, charming gardens, cool pollution free breeze, shimmering lakes, apple orchards, benevolent people etc. J&K possess rich diversity of flora and fauna and there are large numbers of international and domestic tourist destinations throughout the Union Territory. Reasi is one of the most important places in terms of tourism in J&K. Religious places like Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, Shiv Khori Shrine, Dera Baba Banda Bahadur, Baba Aghar Jitto, Siyaad Baba, Nao Devian, Deva Mai, Dhansar Baba etc are in Reasi district and pilgrims from across the globe used to visit these spots throughout the year and pay homage. Bhimgarh Fort and Sulla Park are also important tourists’ destinations in the district. Reasi is also having the highest bridge in the world. Considering this scope for combining the natural resource available in Reasi district of J&K synergistically with agriculture and tourism activities, it is essential to promote the concept of Agro-eco-tourism (AET). The successful Agro-eco-tourism models can act as a sustainable source of income for rural youths and farm women. Diversity of flora and fauna can be sustainably utilized through AET. Apart from core agricultural activities, the animals and fish components can easily be linked with agro-eco-tourism to effectively blend the natural resources within the system in an integrated manner. However, there are no systematic guidelines for the functioning of AET Models. Projects are needed to investigate and documentation of the status of AET Models in J&K so as to study the sustainability of agro-ecotourism model and to promote the agri-tourism entrepreneurship in J&K.
Agro-ecotourism units in J&K can help to demonstrate and promote the concept of the AET to farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, students and related stakeholders in a scientific manner. The components from agriculture, livestock and fisheries need to be included in these units. Indigenous and new varieties of field and horticultural crops should be maintained in the units to serve as information to the visitors and to create awareness about bio diversity in the area. Biodiversity parks comprising of different species (herbs, shrubs, climbers, trees etc) need to be demonstrated in these units. Fish pedicure units and a public aquarium complex need to be maintained. Major fisheries resources of J&K can also be displayed in the AET unit. Other important components such as apiculture, recycling of biodegradable waste through composting and vermi-composting, organic preparations, nursery and plant propagation activities etc should also be demonstrated. Rabbit units (New Zealand White, Soviet Chinchilla, Black Brown and Grey Giant) and ornamental poultry unit (Belgian mille fleur white, Belgian mille fleur black, Polish cap white and Polish cap black) can also be established. The Institutes are required to carry out systematic research on development of eco-friendly and sustainable AET models to improve the farm income and thus improve the socio-economic status of the farmers of hilly areas. There is need to promote and impart knowledge on sustainable AET practices through awareness, trainings and demonstrations in J&K. Local handicrafts, dishes, eco-friendly products, rural museums etc. can be promoted through agro-ecotourism. It can create job and income opportunities for rural people and strengthen the rural economy of J&K.
(The author is Head, KVK Reasi, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and
Technology-Jammu).