The proposed Baramati training centre will focus on hospitality, digital marketing, business development and sustainable tourism to help farmers diversify their income.
The Maharashtra Tourism Department has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Agri Tourism Development Company Pvt. Ltd., operating as Agri Tourism India, to strengthen skill development, training and entrepreneurship in the state’s agri-tourism sector.
Led by agri-tourism expert Pandurang Taware, the organisation will collaborate with the department to support farmers, rural youth, women and tourism entrepreneurs. The partnership also proposes developing the Baramati Agri & Rural Tourism Training Center at Palshiwadi in Baramati into a state-level facility for training, research and knowledge exchange.
The proposed centre will provide training in agri-tourism management, hospitality, rural cuisine, food services, tourist safety, hygiene, digital marketing, online booking and business planning. Sustainable tourism practices will also form a key part of the programme, helping participants build viable rural tourism enterprises.
The training facility features classrooms, a conference room, a library, a demonstration guest room, a rural kitchen, a demonstration farm, an orchard, a vegetable garden and a livestock section. Additional facilities include a nature trail, an information centre, a shop for local products and accommodation for trainees.
The curriculum is designed to combine theory with practical experience. Classroom instruction will account for 30% of the programme, while practical training will make up 40%. Field visits will contribute 20%, with the remaining 10% dedicated to business planning.
Under the agreement, the Maharashtra Tourism Department will provide strategic guidance and institutional support. Agri Tourism Development Company will coordinate training programmes, engage subject experts and conduct practical learning sessions.
Vikas Pansare, Director of the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said agri-tourism could support rural economic development by connecting agriculture with local culture, traditional food, rural lifestyles and natural resources.
The initiative follows the principle of “Farm First – Tourism Next,” positioning tourism as a complementary activity to farming rather than a replacement for agricultural livelihoods.
The partnership also aims to improve service and safety standards at agri-tourism centres, encourage digital adoption, develop new tourism products and expand market opportunities for locally produced goods. By strengthening skills and business capabilities, the initiative seeks to create additional income streams for farmers while generating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in rural Maharashtra.
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