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Time of India

Govt selects 15 places for agri-tourism devpt

Bhubaneswar: State govt has identified 15 priority destinations for integrated rural tourism development under its Vision 2036 framework, marking a significant shift towards agriculture-based tourism. The initiative, jointly launched by the tourism and agriculture and farmers' empowerment departments, aims to create a diverse range of experiences for tourists. Visitors can participate in hands-on agricultural activities, explore nature trails, witness creation of handicrafts and savour local cuisine prepared from farm-fresh ingredients. The selected destinations are the tribal heartland of Koraput, crafts village of Raghurajpur, silk cluster of Gopalpur, organic farming hub of Kandhamal, coffee plantations of Daringbadi, pastoral landscapes of Bargarh, heritage village of Hirapur, mango orchards of Dhenkanal, rice fields of Sambalpur, spice gardens of Phulbani, palm groves of Puri, vegetable farms of Kendrapada, betel vine gardens of Jagatsinghpur, mushroom cultivation centres of Mayurbhanj, and traditional fishing villages of Chilika. "The initiative will not only enhance tourism offerings but also create additional income opportunities for our farming communities and transform rural women from passive participants to active stakeholders in the tourism economy," said deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the tourism portfolio. The programme is supported under the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY), which will provide capital subsidies and training to agro-tourism entrepreneurs. State govt is particularly focusing on involving women self-help groups and youth entrepreneurs in the rural tourism initiative, ensuring that the benefits reach the grassroots level while preserving local culture and traditions. "Our focus is on creating a model where women entrepreneurs can showcase their traditional skills while generating sustainable income," said deputy CM K V Singh Deo, who holds the agriculture portfolio. The implementation will begin immediately, with the first phase of SHG members' training scheduled to commence next month, official sources said.