Agritourism and farmers’ income diversification: A socio-economic comparison between Kerala and Karnataka

Agritourism is emerging as a crucial strategy in India to enhance farmers' income diversification, improve household livelihoods, and promote sustainable rural development. This research investigates the socio-economic characteristics of farmers involved in agritourism in Kerala and Karnataka, regions known for their diverse agricultural landscapes and emerging rural tourism activities. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the agritourism sector by examining key agritourism specific factors and identifying distinct features that contribute to its development. Data were gathered from 120 farmers who were actively involved in agro-tourism activities, selected randomly to capture a wide range of experiences and practices among respondents. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods. The results indicate that middle aged farmers with medium to large landholdings and higher educational qualifications are predominant participants in agritourism. The Mann-Whitney U test analysis reveals significant regional disparities in critical economic and managerial aspects, with Kerala demonstrating a notable advantage due to underlying foundational factors. This study underscores agritourism's role in driving income diversification and supporting rural economic development. The findings emphasize the need for supportive policies and training initiatives to help farmers overcome challenges and realize agritourism’s full potential in both states.