The Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme aims to give tourists a pleasant and clean stay at farmhouses across Read More... Punjab, offering a cultural village life experience and boosting income for farmers. Read less
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Thinking of turning your farmhouse into a tourist spot? The Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme by the Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab, is here to help. It's designed to offer visitors a delightful stay amidst the beauty of Punjab's farms, giving them a taste of rural life and culture. This initiative also opens up a new income stream for farmers and promotes Punjab as a destination for farm, adventure, rural, and cultural tourism.
This scheme is all about registering farmhouses that meet certain standards to host tourists. It helps ensure a comfortable, hygienic, and enjoyable experience for guests while letting them connect with Punjab's vibrant village life. The idea is to create a complete tourism package that benefits both visitors and the farming community.
Farm owners in Punjab who have properties of at least 2.5 acres and are willing to offer comfortable accommodation, hygienic food facilities, and a glimpse into rural living can register under this scheme. The scheme has two categories, Gold and Silver, catering to different farm sizes and management styles.
The Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme is a win-win. For tourists, it offers an authentic cultural experience. For farm owners, it's a chance to earn additional income, get their property promoted by the Punjab Tourism department, and contribute to the state's tourism growth. It truly packages the essence of rural Punjab for the world to experience.
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The scheme categorizes farm stays into Gold and Silver categories. Here are the conditions for each:
Farm owners interested in registering their property under the Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme should submit their application online. Here's the general process:
Post-Application Steps:
To apply for the Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme, you will need the following documents:
What is the main goal of the Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme?
The scheme's primary goal is to offer tourists a clean, hygienic, and comfortable stay at farmhouses across Punjab, allowing them to experience village life and culture firsthand.
What kind of properties can be registered as 'Farm Stay units'?
A 'Farm Stay unit' refers to a property that is at least 2.5 acres in size and includes suitable accommodation built to provide a comfortable stay for guests, meeting the standards set by the scheme.
How does the scheme support registered farm owners?
Registered owners get a new income source, can use the Punjab Tourism logo, and receive marketing help like promotion on the official tourism website, media coverage, inclusion in promotional materials, and space at trade fairs.
Who launched the Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme?
The scheme was launched by the Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab.
What are the specific requirements for a farm to qualify for the Gold category?
For the Gold category, a farm must be over 5 acres, have up to 9 rooms for guests, offer cooked meals with hygienic storage, and can be managed by a dedicated manager.
What makes a farm eligible for the Silver category registration?
The Silver category is for farms up to 5 acres. It requires accommodation for up to 9 rooms, provision for cooked meals with proper storage, and must be operated directly by the owner. It can also be an existing house in a village.
How long is the Farm Stay Certificate valid?
The certificate issued by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PHTPB, is valid for a lifetime.
Where should I submit my application for the scheme?
You need to submit your application online through the official web portal of Punjab Tourism, accessible at https://punjabtourism.punjab.gov.in/
Is there a fee to apply for registration?
Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee. It is ₹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, forwards the application to the Executive Director for recommendation, and finally, the CEO makes the approval decision.
What is the minimum land area required for a Farm Stay unit?
A Farm Stay unit needs to have an area of at least 2.5 acres to be eligible for registration under the scheme.