About Maharashtra state agri & rural tourism co-operative federation ltd mart
Maharashtra State Agri & Rural Tourism Co-operative Federation Ltd Mart: A Pioneer in Agri Tourism
Agri tourism is a unique concept that combines agriculture and tourism, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience rural life and learn about farming practices. Maharashtra State Agri & Rural Tourism Co-operative Federation Ltd Mart (MSART) is a pioneer of agri tourism in India, and Maharashtra is the first state to promote and execute it.
MSART was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting agri tourism as a means of sustainable rural development. The organization works closely with farmers, rural communities, and other stakeholders to develop agri tourism destinations across the state. MSART's mission is to create awareness about agriculture among urban people while providing them with an opportunity to experience rural life.
The organization has been successful in creating several agri tourism destinations across Maharashtra. These destinations offer visitors a chance to experience various aspects of rural life such as farming practices, animal husbandry, traditional food preparation techniques, handicrafts making, etc. Visitors can also participate in various activities such as bullock cart rides, tractor rides, bird watching tours, etc.
One of the most popular agri tourism destinations developed by MSART is the Bhandardara Agro Eco Tourism Centre located near Mumbai. This destination offers visitors an opportunity to stay on a farm and experience various aspects of farm life such as milking cows or goats or plucking fruits from trees. Visitors can also participate in activities like trekking or fishing.
Another popular destination developed by MSART is the Matheran Eco-Tourism Centre located near Pune. This destination offers visitors an opportunity to stay on a farm surrounded by lush greenery while experiencing traditional farming practices like sowing seeds or harvesting crops.
MSART has also been successful in promoting community-based eco-tourism initiatives across Maharashtra. These initiatives involve local communities coming together to develop eco-tourism projects that benefit the community while preserving the environment. One such initiative is the Kumbharwadi Eco-Tourism Centre located near Mumbai. This destination offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional pottery making techniques while supporting local artisans.
MSART has been recognized for its efforts in promoting agri tourism and sustainable rural development. The organization has won several awards, including the National Tourism Award for Best Rural Tourism Project in 2010-11 and the Maharashtra State Tourism Award for Best Agri Tourism Project in 2012-13.
In conclusion, MSART is a pioneer of agri tourism in India and has been successful in promoting sustainable rural development through its various initiatives. The organization's efforts have not only created new opportunities for farmers but also provided visitors with a unique experience of rural life. With its continued focus on community-based eco-tourism initiatives, MSART is poised to make a significant contribution to sustainable tourism development in Maharashtra and beyond.