Farm Fresh

Capital View

Rabindra Seth

Haryana has a track record of tourism initiatives. Way back in the '70s it was the first state to pioneer highway tourism. And, now it has taken the lead in giving concrete shape to the concept of rural tourism which at the level of the Centre is still in the realm of intent. This column had reported the unusual presence of chief minister Om Prakash Chautala at the World Trade Market in London last November where the Haryana chief executive launched farm tourism inviting tour operators to persuade travellers to get back to 'roots, to rejuvenate, revitalise and recharge'.

Haryana Tourism has since come out with a colour brochure with an evocative theme. Opening with a quota from Tagore on his brush with nature it asks, 'When was the last time you chased chickens. Roamed in the fields with pure wind on your face. Found yourself jiggling up and down to the thrills of a bullock cart or a tractor ride?'. Farms tourism, it says, seeks to awaken the child in you…to experience the unforgettable whiff of the countryside…plant baby seeds...enjoy the delights of organic food and experience many spontaneous joys of nature that you may have never known before.

New to this country, farm holidays or rural tourism in its wider concept, is an established segment of the travel industry globally. Developed countries with large agricultural economies forayed into this area mainly because it offers tourists an opportunity to enrich their lives with nature and adventure and at the same time instill pride among farmers along with the benefit of extra income. Countries that are in the forefront of rural tourism include Australia, New Zealand, Holland, UK, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Canada and the United States, even South Africa.

India has additional and compelling reasons to open up rural tourism. One is the immense potential for employment of rural youth. The other is that it could check the rapid rural migration which is having an adverse effect on cities. Rural tourism, besides, could not only revive pride in rural life-styles but also help improve the quality of life in villages. Improving the lot of the rural masses is a thrust area for the present government and the role tourism can play in achieving this is being emphasised time and again by the Union tourism minister Renuka Chowdhury. The Haryana step has spurred the Punjab government to follow suit.

The Haryana authorities have launched rural holidays in collaboration with a dozen or so farms near Delhi. They are located in the Faridabad, Gurgaon, Rohtak and Karnal districts. To take just one example, there is the Surjivan Farm close to the Classic Golf Resort some 50 kms from Delhi. Spread over 50 acres it is said to be based on the concept of 'back to nature' which the brochure says includes nature living, nature food, nature care and nature farming with a breathtaking variety of plants. For accommodation it has ethnic huts, a dormitory and even conference facilities. There are day packages (with concessional rates for senior citizens), overnight stays and group tariffs. Activities offer a choice of organic farming, herbal park excursion, orchard and table gardens, village safaris, cattle feeding, cow milking, camel ride and bonfire. Golf and rock climbing can be arranged on demand.

How well organised rural tourism worldwide is, is reflected in the existence of a global body called Agriculture Tour Operators International (ATOI) headquartered in New Zealand. And, this comes as a pleasant surprise, one of the founder members of this 64-strong group representing 34 countries is an Indian - Vinay Marwah, whose Uday Tours and Travels, a Delhi based outfit, has pioneered outbound travel by Indians keen to learn new agro technologies and practices abroad as well as experience rural lifestyles of other countries. In fact, Marwah was able to persuade ATOI to hold its 2003 international meet in Delhi. When he goes to Spain for the 2005 event he will be armed with packages for foreigners to sample India's rural life (email ids: utt@ndf.vsnl.net.in). Interestingly, the add-ons to farm tours in UK are theatre, cathedrals, Cambridge University or a trip to Scotland.

Rural tourism in India can equally enrich visitor experience. Our cultural traditions, dance, music, craft skills, cattle shows, village sports and the variety of our cuisines can be great drawcards. And, Indian add-ons are unmatched from the Taj to the Qutab Minar, the wonders of Hampi, the lofty Himalayas, the great desert and unspoilt beaches. But we need to address connectivity, especially access to rural areas, hygiene and basic infrastructure of a clean bed and attached bath. It is here that the Centre's intervention can make all the difference.