
Agritourism has emerged as an effective strategy for promoting sustainable development by integrating agriculture with tourism and rural entrepreneurship. The Konkan region of Maharashtra, particularly Ratnagiri district, is endowed with abundant natural resources, scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique horticultural crops such as mango, cashew, coconut, and kokum. These features provide a strong foundation for the development of agritourism as a means of enhancing rural livelihoods and strengthening the local economy. The present study examines agritourism as a strategy for sustainable development in the Konkan region with special reference to Ratnagiri district. The study is based on secondary data collected from government publications, tourism reports, research articles, and existing literature related to agritourism and sustainable development. The findings indicate that agritourism contributes significantly to income diversification for farmers, generation of rural employment, preservation of traditional farming practices, and promotion of local culture and cuisine. It also supports environmental sustainability by encouraging eco-friendly tourism practices and optimal use of local resources. However, the growth of agritourism in Ratnagiri district faces several challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited marketing support, lack of professional training, seasonal tourism demand, and insufficient policy implementation. Despite these constraints, agritourism has the potential to reduce rural-urban migration, empower local communities, and promote inclusive growth when supported by appropriate government policies and institutional frameworks. The study concludes that agritourism can serve as a sustainable development strategy in the Konkan region by balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental conservation. Strengthening infrastructure, providing financial and technical assistance, and enhancing awareness among farmers can further accelerate agritourism development in Ratnagiri district.
Agritourism, Sustainable Development, Rural Economy, environmental conservation.
Agritourism, Sustainable Development, Rural Economy, environmental conservation.
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