Exploring Agro-Tourism: A New Frontier for Odisha's Economy

Harnessing Agro-Tourism for Economic Growth

Bhubaneswar: On Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized the significant potential of merging agriculture with tourism as a means to create a sustainable secondary income stream.

He made these remarks during a Consultative Workshop on Agro-Tourism held at the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) office.

This event was organized by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment.

The workshop gathered passionate agricultural landowners, innovative farmers, policymakers, and experts to discuss the transformative potential of Agro-Tourism in rural economies.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who oversees the Tourism portfolio, along with Pandurang Taware, the pioneer of Agro-Tourism, and other notable figures, also attended the event.

Their discussions underscored the immense opportunities that arise from integrating agriculture with tourism, aimed at fostering additional income, enhancing rural pride, and establishing sustainable business models throughout Odisha.

Singh Deo remarked, “Having been a farmer myself, I am a strong advocate for organic farming. With adequate knowledge and resources, farmers can leverage the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY) guidelines to tap into Agro-Tourism as a dependable source of secondary income.”

Parida added, “It’s inspiring to witness the younger generation reconnecting with their agricultural roots and embracing our fresh local cuisine and rural lifestyle.

We must utilize Odisha’s agricultural heritage to create immersive tourism experiences that honor the land, its people, and its culture.”

The workshop also showcased the state’s strategic initiatives under the ‘Vision 2036’ framework, which identifies 15 key destinations for integrated development.

Tourism department officials outlined a plan to incorporate Agro-Tourism into Odisha’s broader tourism landscape, while experts from Maharashtra and other prominent states shared successful case studies.

The event concluded with an engaging session where participants exchanged ideas and pledged to initiate pilot projects in selected districts.