The Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, has introduced the launch of its first farm stay investment drive, a pioneering initiative aimed toward linking agriculture with tourism and reworking villages into locations. By inviting buyers to develop farm keep lodging throughout the state, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as India’s frontrunner in agri-tourism.
Below the scheme, a farm keep is outlined as vacationer lodging constructed on or close to a working farm, separate from the proprietor’s residence, with no less than two lettable rooms and a reception space. Every unit should present immersive rural actions resembling agri-farming, horticulture, fishponds, dairy, animal husbandry, or farm excursions, permitting guests to expertise farming life and village tradition firsthand.
The initiative is supported by a complete bundle of incentives:
Capital funding subsidy starting from 10 per cent to 25 per cent , with limits as much as INR 40 crore relying on undertaking measurement.
Further subsidy of as much as 5 per cent for ladies entrepreneurs, SC/ST/Backward Class buyers, and tasks in focus locations.
Curiosity subsidy of 5 per cent on financial institution loans as much as INR 5 crore for 5 years.
100 per cent exemption on stamp responsibility, land conversion charges, and improvement fees.
Employment-linked incentives, together with EPF reimbursement for items using 50+ employees and help for differently-abled pleasant items.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh mentioned: “Uttar Pradesh is taking rural tourism to the subsequent degree with a imaginative and prescient that’s solely new. This initiative isn’t just about creating farm lodging – it’s about turning our villages into vibrant centres of tradition, livelihood, and studying. Vacationers at this time are keen to flee concrete jungles and expertise genuine farm life – from milking cows at daybreak to sharing meals in rural kitchens. We’re prepared to offer that heat, simplicity, and authenticity.”
The state has recognized villages with excessive tourism potential, and the farm keep programme enhances its rising community of homestays and B&Bs. For farmers and rural entrepreneurs, the scheme gives a possibility to diversify revenue whereas preserving their conventional life. By integrating agriculture and tourism, the programme is predicted to generate hospitality jobs, help native crafts, and create extra income streams for farmers.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism, added: “Our focus is obvious — this new farm keep initiative should translate into actual advantages for rural households. From guaranteeing genuine farm-based experiences to offering fashionable services, each undertaking might be guided to satisfy international requirements whereas staying true to native tradition. With robust incentives and clear processes, this initiative is not going to solely strengthen rural economies but in addition reconnect city guests with India’s agrarian roots.”
With Uttar Pradesh welcoming 65 crore vacationers in 2024, the farm keep funding programme marks a major new chapter. By turning farms into locations and villages into cultural experiences, the state is laying the muse to emerge as India’s main rural tourism hub.
