Agriculture tourism can open new opportunities for Northeast, says Union Minister

Agri-tourism has the potential to emerge as a new tourism vertical in the Northeast, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on October 29, highlighting the region's distinctive agricultural practices and products.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 14th International Tourism Mart for the Northeast region, Shekhawat said travel preferences had changed significantly, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic, with people increasingly seeking experiences rather than conventional sightseeing.

“People wish to experience life. When people travel to experience, agricultural tourism is another potential area for India,” he said.

The minister noted that India's diverse agricultural practices offered opportunities to develop tourism experiences rooted in local traditions, farming methods and regional products.

He said the Northeast had a distinct proposition in this segment, with several products possessing unique value and potential to attract visitors.

“I am sure that this vertical of tourism is also going to flourish and open a new window of opportunities for northeastern states,” Shekhawat said.

Agri-tourism could help the region expand its tourism offerings by connecting visitors with its agricultural diversity and local products, while creating fresh opportunities for the northeastern states.