Agro-Tourism in Nepal: Opportunities, Significance, and Challenges

By: Prem Bahadur Dhami | Bikash Rauniyar

Nepal, a country in South Asia, is situated between China (Tibet) to the north and India to the east, west, and south. It is uniquely popular for various aspects. Lying 1,127 km away from the sea, it stretches around 193 km north-south and 885 km east-west, with an area of 147,516 square kilometres (56,956 square miles) at a latitude between 80° 4′ N and 88°12’ E longitude.

The country’s topography is diverse, ranging from the low-lying Terai region in the south, with an average elevation of 70 to 200 meters (230 to 660 feet), to the soaring peaks of the Himalayas in the north, including Mount Everest, which stands at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. The hills of the Mahabharat Range, with elevations ranging from 500 to 3,000 meters, are dotted with cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.

In the Terai plains, a warm and humid climate fosters lush forests and agricultural abundance, highlighted by Lumbini, the revered birthplace of Lord Buddha. Rich water resources, including major rivers like the Koshi and Gandaki, define Nepal’s hydrology, while its biodiversity shelters rare species like the Bengal tiger and snow leopard. Despite the seismic activity threatening its stability, Nepal’s geographical richness remains a cornerstone of its cultural heritage, ecological vitality, and economic prospects.

Agro-tourism in Nepal refers to the practice of promoting tourism experiences that showcase the country’s agricultural heritage, practices, and products. It involves tourists visiting farms, plantations, and rural areas to learn about agricultural techniques, participate in farming activities, and immerse themselves in the local agricultural lifestyle. Agro-tourism offers a variety of experiences for tourists, from observing farming methods to experiencing the cultivation and production processes of various crops and fruits.

Additionally, agro-tourism can include activities such as farm stays, organic farming workshops, culinary experiences featuring locally grown produce, and tours of agricultural landscapes. This aspect of tourism helps local farmers gain new modern ideas and methods of farming via cultural exchange, also providing a secondary source of income to rural communities and promoting social harmony between tourists and locals.

Nepal may not be an identical hub for agro-tourism, but its natural beauty and landscapes make it an important destination that covers various tourism sectors. Agro-tourism is one of the alternative forms of tourism and is a relatively new concept globally, also known as agricultural tourism, agro-tourism, agri-ecotourism, farm tourism, farm-based tourism, vacation farms, farm stays, and other names (Kokko, 2011).

Agro-tourism in a Global Context The global agro-tourism market is growing steadily, valued at $181.94 billion in 2019 and projected to reach $260.63 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 5.8%. It is prevalent in regions like Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Agro-tourism attracts a diverse range of visitors, contributing significantly to rural economies and employing 8.9% of rural populations globally.

Sustainability practices are increasingly important, with 87% of travellers considering sustainable travel essential. Governments support agro-tourism through various initiatives, while businesses adopt technology to enhance visitor experiences. Challenges include seasonality, inadequate infrastructure, regulations, and competition. Collaborations between agribusinesses, tourism operators, and local communities are essential for the success of international agro-tourism initiatives. By leveraging each other’s strengths and resources, stakeholders can create compelling experiences that benefit both visitors and host communities while generating sustainable economic growth.

Agro-tourism in the Context of Nepal Nepal is an agricultural country, with more than 55% of its population involved in agriculture. According to the latest data from “Statistical Data on Nepalese Agriculture (2077/78)” by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, 28% of the land area is agricultural. In 2021/22, the agriculture sector alone contributed around 23% to the country’s GDP (NRB report). Agriculture is clearly a major contributor to Nepal’s economy. The emerging concept of agro-tourism can be a very sustainable approach as it complements both the agriculture and tourism sectors, with growth in one sector promoting growth in the other.

Tourism is the biggest industry in Nepal and a major source of foreign currency. Recently, Kathmandu has been ranked as the number one tourist destination globally. Nepal’s natural beauty is highly attractive to tourists, and combining it with agricultural experiences enhances its appeal. The ASHAR 15 “Festival of Ropain & Dahi Chiura” has always attracted many tourists who directly participate and engage like local community members.

Nepal occupies only 0.01% of the global area but harbours over 3% of the world’s flora and over 1% of the world’s fauna. Unique activities like mad honey hunting, the national flower “Rhododendron,” 2,532 species of vascular plants (1,034 genera and 199 families), and 130 endemic species (out of 399 flowering species) found only in protected areas, along with various medicinal herbs like “Yarshagumba” which is globally known, are found in Nepal.

The year 2020 was declared “Tourism Year for Nepal.” Therefore, the development of agriculture and tourism is key for the national economy, with agriculture being the backbone of the country’s rural and national economy. Agro-tourism is one of the most attractive and fashionable ways of promoting tourism in Nepal. In this context, a study was undertaken to figure out the status, prospects, challenges, and destinations of agro-tourism, solely to create awareness among tourists worldwide.

Agro-tourism can take three forms: as an alternate industry to agriculture, which has failed to evolve despite constant focus; to preserve the viability and durability of rural localities; or to rejuvenate non-profitable agricultural activity.

Why Agro-tourism? In Nepal, agro-tourism offers multiple dimensions of cultural, economic, and environmental opportunities:

1. Day-to-Day Living: The experience provides visitors with the opportunity to engage in the daily life of villagers in Nepal, their customs, and cultures. This includes planting crops, picking produce, and cooking traditional meals, helping young people learn more about Nepali culture.
2. Agro-tourism and Sustainable Development: Agro-tourism promotes sustainable livelihoods for rural communities by diversifying income sources, reducing dependence on subsistence farming, and alleviating poverty. Economic sustainability boosts the local economy while maintaining traditional livelihoods.
3. Environmental Conservation: Many agro-tourism programs in Nepal aim to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural methods for environmental conservation. Visitors can learn about organic farming methods, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource protection, helping to protect Nepal’s fragile ecosystems and promote eco-friendly practices, thereby reducing the impact of climate change.
4. Nepal’s Scenic Beauty: The diverse landscape of Nepal, including lush valleys and towering mountains, provides an incredible backdrop for agro-tourism pursuits. While sightseeing in rural areas on the return drive back to Kathmandu, tourists can marvel at terraced fields, picturesque villages, and snow-capped peaks. This panoramic beauty continues to attract nature lovers, photographers, and tourists.
5. Food Experience: Agro-tourism allows visitors to try fresh and organic produce straight from the farm. Additionally, dining experiences are offered, featuring farm-to-table concepts with traditional Nepali dishes prepared using locally sourced items. Exploring the epicurean dimensions of Nepali cuisine is another channel of cultural immersion reinforced by agro-tourism.

Destinations of Agro-tourism

National parks and conservation areas are prime destinations for agro-ecotourism in Nepal. Within its small territory, Nepal has established 12 national parks, 20 protected areas, 3 wildlife reserves, 6 conservation areas, 1 hunting reserve, and 9 Ramsar sites. Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park (the oldest in Nepal) were listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979 and 1984, respectively.

Chitwan National Park is recognized as the best conservation area in Asia, with a fascinating range of wildlife roaming free in its jungles and grasslands. Sagarmatha National Park, situated at a high altitude, possesses much alpine agricultural vegetation; Cordyceps sinensis is one notable example. Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, Parsa Wildlife Reserve, and Shuklaphanta National Park are home to incredible varieties of flowering plants, wildflowers, shrubs, alluring vegetation, great-looking trees, and additionally vines, air plants, and creepers.

These protected areas are crucial for conservation efforts in Nepal, with 80 of the 118 identified ecosystems included within them. These areas cover a wide range of forest zones where different types of trees grow. Every year, millions of tourists visit these areas to enjoy nature and agro-biodiversity. These areas also have a high potential for producing crops and vegetables. The primary direct beneficiaries are poor farmers, unemployed youths, and women mainly engaged in small-scale agriculture activities.

Homestays in Agro-tourism

Ghale Gaun and Bandipur epitomize the warmth and hospitality of Nepali homestays against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. In Ghale Gaun, nestled amidst the Annapurna range, travelers can stay with Gurung families, engaging in farming activities such as milking cows and harvesting crops. Cultural performances and storytelling sessions offer insights into Gurung traditions and way of life.

Bandipur, with its well-preserved Newari architecture and terraced fields, offers a similar experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in Newari culture while exploring the town’s agricultural heritage. For those seeking a more adventurous agro-tourism experience, honey hunting in the forests of Lamjung or harvesting apples in the orchards of Mustang presents an exciting opportunity to engage with local practices and savor the fruits of their labor.

Nepal’s diverse climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, from rice and wheat in the Terai plains to apples and oranges in the hilly regions. This agricultural diversity forms the backbone of agro-tourism, offering tourists a firsthand experience of farming activities across different terrains.

Challenges in Agro-tourism Development

Despite its potential, the development of agro-tourism in Nepal faces several challenges. Poor infrastructure, including inadequate roads and transportation facilities, limits access to rural areas. Additionally, a lack of awareness and training among local farmers and communities about the benefits and practices of agro-tourism hinders its growth.

There is also a need for policy support from the government to promote agro-tourism. This includes creating favorable regulations, providing financial incentives, and investing in the necessary infrastructure. Ensuring the sustainability of agro-tourism practices is another critical challenge, requiring a balance between tourism growth and environmental conservation.

Conclusion

Agro-tourism in Nepal offers a unique blend of cultural, economic, and environmental benefits. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and providing an alternative source of income for rural communities, agro-tourism can play a significant role in the country’s development. However, addressing the challenges and harnessing the potential of this sector requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, local communities, and private sector. With the right support and infrastructure, agro-tourism in Nepal can become a significant contributor to the country’s economy while preserving its rich agricultural heritage and natural beauty.