Lok Sabha Question No. 1369 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-10
Subject: Development of Agro-Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Amar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1369 ANSWERED ON 10.02.2020

## DEVELOPMENT OF AGRO-TOURISM

## 1369. DR. AMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has formulated any special action plan for development of agro-tourism in Punjab;
- (b)
- if so, the details of developmental activities being carried out;
- (c) the  details  of  expenditure  incurred  on  all  special  and  important tourist places during the last three years;
- (d) whether the Government is considering any scheme to replicate the successful models in other countries in this regard; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) & (b): The  Ministry  of  Tourism,  Govt.  of  India  promotes  India  as  a holistic tourism destination to showcase its various tourism destinations and attractions including Rural Tourism products. The Ministry of Tourism as  a  part  of  its  ongoing  activities,  releases  print,  electronic,  online  and outdoor media campaigns in the International markets and participates in various  promotional  events  to  attract  foreign  tourists  to  the  Country, including to the state of Punjab.

The  State  Government  of  Punjab  has  given  due  importance  for promotion of Farm (Agro) Tourism. Punjab State Tourism Policy 2018 has been notified. A scheme for registration of farm houses for Agro Tourism has also been promoted through press & electronic media. 44 Farm houses have  been  registered  by  the  Tourism  Department  for  providing  farm experience to the Agro-tourists.

(c) to (e): Identification  &  development  of  tourist  places/centres  etc.  is primarily  the  responsibility  of  the  concerned  State  Government/Union Territory  Administration.  Ministry  of  Tourism  had  launched  the  Swadesh Darshan  Scheme  in  2014-15  for  integrated  development  of  theme  based tourist circuits in the country. Under the scheme 15 thematic circuits have been  identified  for  development.  The  projects  under  the  scheme  are identified  for  development  in  consultation  with  the  State  Government/UT and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.

Since its launch in January 2015 the Ministry as on date has sanctioned 77 projects worth projects for Rs.6035.70 Crores to 30 States and  UTs  covering  the  thematic  circuits  under  the  Swadesh  Darshan Scheme.

Agro  -Tourism  has  not  been  identified  as  one  of  the  thematic circuits.  However  in  the  state  of  Punjab  under  the  Heritage  circuit  of Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Ministry has sanctioned Development of Anandpur Sahib-Fatehgarh Sahib-Chamkaur Sahib-Ferozpur-AmritsarKhatkar Kalan-Kalanour-Patiala for Rs.99.95 Crores in 2018-19.

The  details  of  the  projects  sanctioned  by  the  Ministry  of  Tourism under the Rural Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme are as below:

| State/ Year of sanction   | Details                                                          |   Amount Sanctioned (in Rs. Crores) |
|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Bihar 2017-18             | Development of Gandhi Circuit: Bhitiharwa- Chandrahia- Turkaulia |                               44.65 |
| Kerala 2018-19            | Development of Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism Project            |                               80.37 |

Ministry has also instituted a National Tourism Award in the category of 'Best Rural/Agri/Plantation Tourism Projects' to motivate the stakeholders in the tourism sector for implementing such projects.

State Government of Punjab informed us that details of expenditure incurred by them on all special and important tourist places in Punjab in the past three years is as under:

| Financial Year             |   Expenditure incurred (Rs. in lakh) |
|----------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| 2017-18                    |                              5187.54 |
| 2018-19                    |                              6503.88 |
| 2019-20 (as on 31.01.2020) |                              4789.85 |

This expenditure included conservation of heritage, development of infrastructure at the places of tourist attraction, marketing, participation in travel trade, promotion of art & culture of the State etc.

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