Maharashtra is the pioneer state to develop and promote agri-tourism in the country. To further promote it and commemorate the 14th World Agri-Tourism Day on May 16, Department of Tourism, Maharashtra Government in partnership with Agri Tourism Development Corporation India, is organising International Conference on Agri-tourism on May 15 and 16. The objective of the conference is to explore the sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities for rural women through agri-tourism.

The conference will provide a platform for national and international experts, researchers and farmers to share their experience and present examples on successful agri-tourism practices from various countries including Italy, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, Uganda, South Africa, Philippines, Scotland, Spain and Thailand. The event will offer an overarching understanding of the agri-tourism sector, its challenges and opportunities. It will also develop recommendations and an action plan that will guide the efforts of strengthening the agri-tourism sector. Furthermore, it will showcase the vital role played by rural women as enabler of sustainable and socially responsible tourism.

The international conference will also celebrate excellence and success of women farmers and agri-tourism practitioners by felicitating them with ‘World Agri Tourism Awards 2021’, selected by International Agri-tourism Awards Committee.

The prestigious award recipients are as follow:

• Charinee Chaiyochlarb, Mini Murrah Farm, Thailand. She imported 50 buffaloes from India in 2003 to start her Murrah Dairy Company. The agri-tourism center supports women of her village as well.

- Scottie Jones, Leaping Lamb Farm & Farm Stay- Oregon, America. She popularised farm stays in America. Leaping Lamb Farm has six lettable rooms and receives many guests.

• Dr Meena Gabor, International School of Sustainable tourism, Philippines, Former Secretary of Tourism, Republic of the Philippines. She played a huge role in the development, promotion and operation of sustainable tourism in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
• Caroline Miller, The Hideaway Experience Balkello Farms, Scotland. She runs an agri-tourism company called ‘Go Rural’ and has worked extensively towards the development of agri-tourism in Scotland.
• Jacqui Taylor, Founder and Managing Director, Agri-tourism, Africa. With over 30 years of experience in the tourism and agriculture industries, she has been promoting agri-tourism and sustainable tourism initiatives in Africa.
• Maria Baryamujura, Founder of Cobati, Uganda. She is focussed on empowering local communities, which are near areas of high tourism potential to develop homestays and grassroots tourism attractions.
• Kasar Nanda, owner of Meher Retreat Agri Tourism Center, Pune. She runs an agri-tourism centre spread over 27 acres. Through her efforts, she has been able to enhance livelihood opportunities for women in her village.
• Sangita Bhapkar, Nisarg Sangeet Agri-Tourism Centre, Morgaon, Baramati. She runs an agri-tourism centre spreading over five acres.
• Dr Ashwini Kotkar, Dirghayu Agri-Tourism Centre, Birwadi, Shahapur, Thane. She owns an orchard of 45 acres and grows mangoes using organic method of farming.

Under the Government initiative category, Department of Tourism, Maharashtra Government  wins the award for its tremendous contribution to the development of agri-tourism in the state and providing sustainable employment opportunities to the farming community.