AGROTOURISM AS A STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF KARJAT TALUKA, RAIGAD

Agriculture is India's most common occupation and is often regarded as the country's economic backbone. The share of agriculture in gross domestic product (GDP) has reached almost 20 per cent for the first time in the last 17 years, making it the sole bright spot in GDP performance during 2020-21, according to the Economic Survey 2020-2021. Agriculture is strongly established in Indian culture, and it is more than a career or a business. Tourism is a growth driver for many countries throughout the world. Agrotourism is a type of tourism that combines farming with tourism. As a result, supplementing agricultural revenue with some touristic activity is bringing fresh optimism and better lives to the region. Agrotourism is a sort of alternative tourism that is a better option than mass tourism in current scenario. People in urban areas are becoming agitated and distancing themselves from nature. They get away from their city lives every now and then. This study discusses how agrotourism can be used to boost agriculture and strengthen rural communities of Karjat taluka which is located at Raigad district of Maharashtra state.