AGRO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN CHANDGAD TALUKA OF KOLHAPUR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

Agro-tourism has emerged as an important alternative form of tourism that integrates agricultural activities with tourism experiences to promote rural development and livelihood diversification. In agrarian regions like Maharashtra, agro-tourism provides an effective strategy for enhancing farmers’ income, generating rural employment, and conserving cultural and environmental resources. Chandgad Taluka of Kolhapur District, located in the Western Ghats region, possesses rich agricultural diversity, high rainfall, forest resources, and cultural heritage, which together create favourable conditions for agro-tourism development. The present study examines the potential and prospects of agro-tourism development in Chandgad Taluka using both secondary and primary data. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 80 respondents selected using stratified random sampling. The study analyses agricultural resources, awareness levels, willingness of farmers, perceived benefits, and challenges related to agro-tourism development. The findings reveal that Chandgad Taluka has significant potential for agro-tourism, particularly through farm-based activities, eco-agro tourism, and cultural tourism. However, issues such as lack of infrastructure, financial constraints, and limited training remain major obstacles. The study suggests sustainable strategies involving community participation, capacity building, infrastructural development, and policy support to promote agro-tourism as a tool for inclusive rural development