The Future of Agritourism WIth Punjab's Farm Tourism Scheme Application Process, Benefits, & More

Tourism is a major part of any economy and helps it grow fast. India's tourism sector is expanding rapidly. The country's travel and tourism sector contributed 9.1% to its GDP in 2024, an increase of 12.1% from the previous year. Punjab is aiming to promote the tourism and agriculture sectors with the help of the Farm Stay in Punjab. Let’s understand this state government scheme in detail.

What Is Punjab’s Farm Tourism Scheme?

The Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme was introduced by the Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab. The government scheme aims to offer tourists a clean, comfortable, and hygienic stay in farmhouses in Punjab and also aims to give both domestic and foreign tourists a chance to experience village life and enjoy Punjab's rich culture. Additionally, this govt scheme will provide farmers with extra income and a better livelihood.

The Farm Stay in Punjab combines farm tourism, adventure tourism, rural and village tourism, and cultural tourism, making it a complete experience for tourists. The Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Punjab Heritage Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) will register farm stay units and set guidelines for them.

A Farm Stay in Punjab unit is a property that has at least 2.5 acres of land. It should have proper accommodation for guests that meets the standards of the government scheme. The construction of these accommodations must follow the rules set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Government of Punjab.

Eligibility Criteria

Farm owners in Punjab with eligible properties that meet the scheme’s guidelines can register for this scheme. The following eligibility criteria have to be met to apply for the Silver and Gold categories.

Eligibility Criteria For The Gold Category

• The Farm Stay unit should have more than 5 acres of land.

• It can have up to 9 rooms (18 beds) built according to the scheme's standards.

• There should be a facility for providing cooked meals to tourists.

• There should be a hygienic storage facility for food.

• The facility can be managed by a manager.

Eligibility Criteria For The Silver Category

• The Farm Stay unit can have up to 5 acres of land.

• It can have up to 9 rooms (18 beds) built according to the scheme's standards.

• There should be a facility for providing cooked meals to tourists.

• There should be a hygienic storage facility for food.

• The facility must be managed by the owner.

• The unit can be run in any existing house in a village.

Other General Conditions

• The owner can decide the rates for stay, food, and other activities.

• The unit must be furnished and decorated to a high standard for both international and domestic tourists.

• Each bedroom must have a clean attached bathroom with 24-hour hot and cold water, a Western-style toilet, and adequate power, ventilation, and lighting.

• The building must be structurally safe, clean, and hygienic.

• Tourists should be allowed to explore the fields during their stay.

Compliance By Registered Farm Stay In Punjab

• The unit must always maintain the standards set in the farm stay in Punjab prescribed in Annexure II.

• The Chief Executive Officer, PHTPB, or an authorized officer can inspect the unit at any time between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm without notice.

• Any changes in the facilities must be reported to the Chief Executive Officer within 30 days.

• The owner must assist visitors with transport and medical help in case of an emergency.

• If guests suffer any loss due to the negligence of the owner or staff, they will be compensated by the farm owner.

• The owner must follow all rules and regulations of other government departments or agencies.

Documents Required

Applicants should provide identification proof, property ownership papers, and any documents related to the property’s amenities and facilities for registration. The following documents have to be submitted to apply for the Farm Stay Tourism Scheme.

• Checklist of facilities duly filled (Annexure-II).

• Signed Declaration (Annexure - III).

• Additional relevant background information, if any (Annexure - IV).

• Coloured photographs of the property and the rooms proposed to be let out.

• An affidavit that due assistance of medical help and transportation facility shall be provided to the visitor/tourist in case of any health emergency.

• The approved layout of the farmhouse duly specifying the rooms to be offered to the guests/tourists

• Copy of ownership documents of the property duly attested by a Group - A officer or a Public Notary.

• Identity proof of the owner.

• Proof of Ownership (NOC) self-attested.

• Proof of having paid the necessary fee.

Conclusion

With the rapid growth of tourism, the Farm Stay Tourism Scheme will help Punjab’s tourism sector and will also immensely help promote the Agriculture sector. Along with helping the sectors, this will help the economy of the state and also help generate employment for the people.

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