INTEGRATING REGENERATIVE PRACTICES IN AGRITOURISM: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR HIMACHAL PRADESH
Authors: Amrik Singh, Nihal Kapoor, Manoj Kumar and Rahul Rana
Amrik Singh: Assistant Professor, Center for Promotion of Ecological, Adventure, Health & Cultural Tourism, Central University Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, India.
Nihal Kapoor: Research Scholar, Center for Promotion of Ecological, Adventure, Health & Cultural Tourism, Central University Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, India.
Manoj Kumar: Research Scholar, Center for Promotion of Ecological, Adventure, Health & Cultural Tourism, Central University Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, India.
Rahul Rana: Research Scholar, Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Central University Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, India.
ABSTRACT
Himachal Pradesh, as a state with a rich agricultural past and a picturesque landscape, is a good place for the integration of regenerative practices and agritourism. Regenerative agritourism is superior to sustainable agriculture and regular tourism since it restores ecosystems, enhances biodiversity, and builds local communities. This research examines the potential of regenerative agritourism as a framework for environmental, economic, and social sustainability in Himachal Pradesh. The paper elaborates on the principles of regenerative agriculture, including enhancing soil health, conserving water, sequestering carbon, and agroecological diversity, and how these might be best put into practice in agritourism farms. It also elaborates on the economic benefits to farmers and rural communities through income diversification through agritourism activities like organic farm visits, farm stays, heritage food tours, and eco-education. The research also explores the participation of local stakeholders like policymakers, farmers, and tourists in a regenerative agritourism system. A Descriptive study is done accordance of the research objective. Best practice case studies on regenerative agritourism internationally are applied to access best practices and scalable solutions. The evidence indicates that regenerative agritourism can revitalize rural economies, drive conservation-led tourism, and increase farm landscape resilience in Himachal Pradesh. However, the research also points out weak policy support, unawareness, and financial limitations for farmers in adopting regenerative practices. Recommendations are policy interventions, capacity-building programs, and community-based agritourism models based on the ecological and cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. This research contributes to the literature on agricultural change and sustainable tourism by suggesting regenerative agritourism as a way to a sustainable and resilient future for Himachal Pradesh.
Keywords: Community Engagement, Infrastructure Development, Regenerative Agritourism, Sustainable Agritourism, Sustainable Development.