Economic Performance of Farmer owned Agro -Tourism Enterprises in Karnataka, India
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Authors
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Vishwanath H
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE)
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Suresha, S. V
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
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N Balasubramani
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE)
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Savitha. C.M
Department of Agricultural Extension, UAS, GKVK, Bangaluru
Keywords:
Agro-tourism, Economic performance, Farm diversification, Rural entrepreneurship, Farm income, Karnataka.Abstract
Indian agriculture is increasingly challenged by declining profitability due to rising input costs, climate variability and market fluctuations, necessitating diversification of farm-based income sources. Agro-tourism has emerged as an enterprise integrating agriculture with tourism to enhance livelihood security and economic sustainability of rural households. The present study analysed the impact of agro-tourism on the economic performance of farmer owners of Agro-Tourism Centers (ATCs) in Karnataka state. An ex-post facto research design was adopted in four districts Bangalore, Chikkamagaluru, Tumkur and Kodagu selected based on the concentration of agro-tourism centers. Primary data were collected from 40 ATC farmer owners through personal interviews using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Economic performance was assessed using indicators such as annual gross sales, product-related sales, farm economic condition and perceived changes in profit after adoption of agro-tourism. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation. The results showed that 82.50 per cent of respondents recorded annual gross sales above ₹2,50,000 and 75.00 per cent fell under medium to high economic performance category. A majority reported increased profits after adopting agro-tourism due to direct marketing of farm produce, value-added services and experiential activities. Correlation analysis indicated that economic motivation, decision-making ability, customer preference orientation, information-seeking behaviour, innovativeness, hospitality and risk orientation had significant positive association with economic performance. The study concludes that agro-tourism is a viable farm diversification strategy capable of stabilizing farm income and generating local employment opportunities, and that improved institutional support, training and market linkages can further enhance its adoption and contribution to rural development.
