Hamaal Hetu Joota, Huk Evan Mahila Hamaal Hetu Soopa Aur Tokari Sahaayata Yojana

This scheme aims to offer tourists a clean and comfortable stay in Punjab's farmhouses, providing a cultural Read More... connection to village life and an extra income source for farmers. Read less

Details

Looking to offer a slice of Punjabi rural life to tourists? The Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme, launched by the Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab, is here to help. It's all about turning your farmhouse into a welcoming spot for domestic and international visitors, giving them a taste of authentic village experiences.

What Is This Scheme?

The Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme is designed to promote tourism by registering farmhouses across the state. The goal is to provide tourists with a clean, hygienic, and comfortable stay, along with a genuine cultural immersion into rural Punjab. This initiative also aims to create an additional income stream for farmers and showcase a blend of farm, adventure, rural, village, and cultural tourism.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is primarily for farm owners in Punjab who wish to open their properties to tourists. It's ideal for those who have at least 2.5 acres of land and suitable accommodation that meets certain standards. The scheme has two categories, Gold and Silver, each with specific eligibility criteria related to farm size and room capacity.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme is a fantastic way to boost rural economies by providing farmers with supplementary income. It also offers tourists a unique opportunity to experience the real Punjab, away from the usual tourist spots. By promoting farm stays, the government is encouraging sustainable tourism and preserving the state's rich cultural heritage.

Objective

This scheme aims to offer tourists a clean and comfortable stay in Punjab's farmhouses, providing a cultural connection to village life and an extra income source for farmers.

Benefits

For shoe, hook for lifting sack for Hamal and soup and basket for female Hamal : ₹ 500/- per beneficiary.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Register?

Farm stay units can be registered under two categories: Gold and Silver. Here's what you need to qualify:

Gold Category Eligibility:

The farm must be more than 5 acres in area.
Accommodation should comfortably house no more than 9 lettable rooms (equivalent to 18 beds), built according to the standards in Annexure-II of the scheme guidelines.
Must have facilities for preparing and serving cooked meals to tourists.
Needs a hygienic food storage facility.
The unit can be managed by a designated Manager.

Silver Category Eligibility:

The farm can be up to 5 acres in area.
Accommodation should comfortably house no more than 9 lettable rooms (equivalent to 18 beds), built according to the standards in Annexure - II of the scheme guidelines.
Must have facilities for preparing and serving cooked meals to tourists.
Needs a hygienic food storage facility.
The unit must be operated by the owner themselves.
This category can also include an existing house in a village.

General Conditions for All Applicants:

Farm owners can set their own tariffs for stay, food, and other activities. These rates must be clearly specified.
Every registered unit must be furnished and decorated to a high standard, ensuring comfort for both international and domestic tourists.
Each bedroom must have a clean, attached bathroom with 24-hour hot and cold running water, a Western-style toilet, and adequate arrangements for power supply (including backup), ventilation, and lighting.
The building must be structurally sound, in good condition, and meet high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and safety.
Guests should be allowed to explore the fields during their stay.

Owner's Responsibilities:

Registered farm stay units must consistently maintain the standards outlined in Annexure-II. Surprise inspections can be conducted by the CEO, PHTPB, or authorized officers between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM without prior notice.
Any changes to the facilities must be reported to the Chief Executive Officer within 30 days.
The owner is responsible for providing necessary assistance for transport and medical help to visitors in case of emergencies. Compensation must be provided to guests for any loss incurred due to negligence by the owner or staff.
Registered owners must strictly follow rules and regulations of all applicable government departments and agencies.

How to Apply

Farmhouse owners interested in registering their property under the Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme can apply online through the official portal:

Visit the official website: https://punjabtourism.punjab.gov.in/
Locate and fill out the application form.
Submit all required documents as listed.
Pay the non-refundable application fee.

Post-Application Process:

Applications are first received by the Project Coordinator/Manager, PHTPB, who verifies the submitted documents.
The verified application is then forwarded to the Executive Director for recommendation.
The Executive Director reviews applications forwarded by the Project Coordinator/Manager.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the final approving authority and will approve or reject the application based on the Executive Director's recommendation.

Documents Required for Application

To apply for the Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme, you will need to submit the following documents:

A completed Checklist of Facilities (refer to Annexure-II).
A Signed Declaration (refer to Annexure - III).
Any relevant additional background information you wish to provide (refer to Annexure - IV).
Coloured photographs of your property and the rooms you intend to let out to guests.
An affidavit confirming that you will provide necessary medical help and transportation facilities to visitors in case of any health emergency.
Approved layout of your farmhouse, clearly indicating the rooms designated for guests/tourists.
A copy of your property ownership documents, attested by a Group 'A' officer or a Public Notary.
Photo Identity Proof of the owner (e.g., Passport, Driving License, Voter Card, Ration Card, PAN card, or an Identity Card issued by a Central/State Government/PSU, Pensioner's Card, Freedom Fighter Card).
Self-attested Proof of Ownership (NOC).
Proof of payment for the required application fee.

Application Fees:

For Gold Category: ₹5,000/- (non-refundable)
For Silver Category: ₹3,000/- (non-refundable)

Official Sources:

For detailed guidelines and annexures, please refer to:

Scheme Guidelines and Annexures

FAQ’s

What exactly is the Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme?

It's a government initiative designed to offer tourists a clean, hygienic, and comfortable stay at farmhouses across Punjab, allowing them to experience village life and culture.

Who is behind this initiative?

This scheme was launched by the Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab.

What is the main goal of this scheme?

The scheme aims to provide domestic and international tourists with a unique cultural experience by exposing them to village life, while also creating an additional income source for farmers.

What qualifies as a 'Farm Stay unit' under this scheme?

A 'Farm Stay unit' is a property of at least 2.5 acres or more that has suitable accommodation built within it, meeting the standards set by the scheme for guest comfort.

What benefits can farm owners expect if their property is registered?

Registered owners get additional income, can use the Punjab Tourism Logo, and receive marketing support like promotion on the official website, media coverage, inclusion in brochures, and participation opportunities in trade fairs (with free space).

How can I apply to register my farmhouse?

You can submit your application form online via the official Punjab Tourism website at https://punjabtourism.punjab.gov.in/.

Are there different levels of registration for farm stays?

Yes, there are two categories: Gold and Silver. The eligibility for each differs based on the farm's size and the accommodation provided.

What are the specific requirements for the Gold Category?

For the Gold Category, the farm must be over 5 acres, have up to 9 lettable rooms (18 beds) as per standards, offer cooked meals with hygienic storage, and can be managed by a staff member.

What are the requirements for the Silver Category?

The Silver Category is for farms up to 5 acres, with up to 9 lettable rooms (18 beds) meeting the standards. It also requires facilities for cooked meals and hygienic storage, but must be operated by the owner, and can even be an existing house in a village.

How long is the Farm Stay Certificate valid?

The Farm Stay Certificate (FTS) issued by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PHTPB, is valid for a lifetime.

Is there a fee to apply for registration?

Yes, a non-refundable application fee is required. It's ₹5,000/- for the Gold Category and ₹3,000/- for the Silver Category.

What happens after I submit my application?

After submission, the Project Coordinator/Manager verifies documents, then the Executive Director reviews the application, and finally, the CEO is the approving authority.