New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Tourism has said that the development and promotion of agri-tourism and farm stays is primarily the responsibility of State Governments and Union Territory administrations, and that there is currently no proposal to formulate a separate national agri-tourism policy.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the Ministry has, however, formulated National Strategies and Roadmaps for the Development of Rural Tourism and Rural Homestays, which have been circulated to States and UTs to guide sustainable tourism growth in rural areas.
The minister said the Ministry promotes tourism in a holistic manner and, as part of its ongoing activities, places special emphasis on rural tourism. Financial assistance for tourism infrastructure development is provided to States and UTs through central sector schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), and Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development. Funding is released as per scheme guidelines and based on proposals and detailed project reports submitted by States and UTs.
Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, projects have been sanctioned under Rural and Tribal Circuits to strengthen tourism infrastructure in hinterland and tribal regions. The minister said the Ministry has earmarked 4.3 per cent of the total Swadesh Darshan outlay—amounting to ₹103 crore—under the Tribal Sub Plan component. This includes ₹88 crore under the Tribal Area Sub Plan and ₹15 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA), aimed at promoting inclusive tourism growth, cultural preservation and economic upliftment in Scheduled Tribe-dominated areas.
In addition to infrastructure development, targeted livelihood interventions have been initiated in tribal areas. These include the ‘Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas’ under PM-JUGA, which proposes the creation of 1,000 homestays with financial assistance for construction, renovation, community facilities, and training of homestay owners. However, the minister noted that no funds have been released so far under the PM-JUGA homestay initiative.
Highlighting a State-level initiative, the minister said the Government of Kerala is implementing a Women-Friendly Tourism Initiative through the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission. Launched in October 2022, the programme aims to promote women’s entrepreneurship and employment in tourism. More than 17,000 women have registered under the initiative, with training provided across various tourism-related activities, including in tribal areas of Wayanad.
The information was shared by the minister in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha.
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