Agri Tourism
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tourism, Agritourism |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Pandurang Taware |
| Headquarters | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
Key people | Pandurang Taware (Managing Director) |
| Services | Agritourism experiences, training programs, rural tourism consultancy |
| Website | agritourismindia |
Agri Tourism (ATDC), operating as Agri Tourism India, is an Indian company focused on promoting agritourism and sustainable rural tourism. Founded in 2005 by Pandurang Taware, the company connects urban tourists with rural farming communities, offering immersive experiences in village life, agriculture, and cultural traditions. Headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, ATDC operates over 70 agritourism centres across the state and has expanded its model to other parts of India. The company gained prominence after appearing on Shark Tank India Season 1 in 2022, where it sought investment to scale its operations. ATDC aims to empower farmers by providing alternative income sources through tourism while fostering environmental and economic sustainability in rural areas.[1][2]
Founders & Leadership
Pandurang Taware, the founder and Managing Director of Agri Tourism, is widely recognised as the "Father of Agritourism in India." A farmer from Maharashtra, Taware holds a background in agriculture and rural development. His vision to integrate tourism with agriculture led to the establishment of ATDC in 2005. Taware has been instrumental in promoting agritourism as a sustainable model for rural empowerment, earning accolades such as the National Tourism Awards in 2008 and 2012. He actively participates in national and international conferences, advocating for agritourism and mentoring farmers to establish tourism centres. His leadership has driven ATDC's expansion and partnerships with government bodies and private investors.[3][4]
Origin & Founding Story
Agri Tourism was founded in 2005 by Pandurang Taware in Palshiwadi, Baramati district, Maharashtra, approximately 70 km from Pune. The company began as a pilot project on a 28-acre farm, aiming to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities by offering city dwellers an authentic experience of village life and farming. Taware, a farmer himself, recognised the economic potential of agritourism in supporting farmers facing financial challenges. The success of the initial project led to the establishment of the Maharashtra State Agri Tourism Vistar Yojana in 2007, which supported 52 farmers to set up agritourism centres. The model gained traction, leading to further expansion and recognition across India.[5][3]
Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Agri Tourism founded in Palshiwadi, Baramati, as a pilot project.[5] |
| 2007 | Launched Maharashtra State Agri Tourism Vistar Yojana, selecting 52 farmers to establish agritourism centres.[3] |
| 2008 | Received National Tourism Award for promoting agritourism.[3] |
| 2012 | Awarded second National Tourism Award for contributions to rural tourism.[3] |
| 2021 | Published Maharashtra Agri Tourism Directory, listing 52 centres.[4] |
| 2022 | Appeared on Shark Tank India Season 1, pitching for INR 50 lakhs for 5% equity.[2] |
| 2022 | Secured investment from Namita Thapar post-Shark Tank India.[6] |
| 2022 | Signed MoU with Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, for agritourism promotion.[4] |
| 2022 | A S Agri and Aqua LLP invested in ATDC to support vertical farming and agritourism projects.[1] |
| 2024 | Conducted agritourism boot camps for job seekers in the sector.[3] |
Funding
| Date | Round | Amount | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | Post-Show Investment | Undisclosed | Namita Thapar[6] |
| June 2022 | Strategic Investment | Undisclosed | A S Agri and Aqua LLP[1] |
Business Model
Agri Tourism operates a business-to-consumer (B2C) model, generating revenue by offering curated agritourism experiences to urban tourists. The company collaborates with farmers to establish agritourism centres, where visitors engage in farming activities, cultural events, and rural hospitality. Revenue streams include booking fees for stays, guided tours, and workshops, as well as consultancy services for farmers setting up their own centres. ATDC also earns through training programs and boot camps for aspiring agritourism professionals. The primary customer segments are urban families, educational institutions, and international tourists seeking authentic rural experiences. The company promotes sustainability by reinvesting profits into farmer training and rural development.[2][7]
Products / Services
- Agritourism Experiences: Offers immersive stays in rural Maharashtra, including farm tours, cultural activities, and traditional meals.[7]
- Training Programs: Conducts workshops and boot camps for farmers and professionals to establish and manage agritourism centres.[3]
- Consultancy Services: Provides guidance to farmers on setting up agritourism ventures, including marketing and project planning.[4]
- Event Hosting: Organises rural festivals and educational events to promote village culture and agriculture.[4]
Growth & Metrics
As of 2024, ATDC operates over 70 agritourism centres across Maharashtra, with plans to expand nationally.[3] The company reported a net worth of INR 40 crores in 2023.[8] It has facilitated over 1,500 agritourism projects, benefiting thousands of farmers.[1] The team size is estimated at 50–100 employees, including field staff and trainers. ATDC’s reach extends to urban tourists from major Indian cities and international visitors, with significant growth post its Shark Tank India appearance in 2022.[2]
Legal Entity Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Name | Agri Tourism Development Company Private Limited |
| Foundation Date | 2010 |
| Registrar of Companies (ROC) | ROC Pune |
| Corporate Identification Number (CIN) | U74900PN2010PTC135379 |
| Registered Address | Flat No. 13, Stilt Floor, Sumadhur Co-op Hsg Soc S.No.1037/362A, Shivaji Nagar, Model Col ony , Pune, Maharashtra, India - 411016 |
| Email ID | pandurang@agritourism.in |
| Company Status | Active |
| Directors | Pandurang Taware and Vaisali Taware |
| Authorized Share Capital | INR 15,00,000.00 |
| Paid-up Capital | INR 1,03,090.00 |
Acquisitions and Investments
- Investment by A S Agri and Aqua LLP (2022): A S Agri and Aqua LLP, a leader in vertical farming, invested an undisclosed amount in ATDC to integrate hi-tech farming with agritourism.[1]
- Investment by Namita Thapar (2022): Post-Shark Tank India, Namita Thapar invested in ATDC to support its expansion.[6]
Media & Public Recognition
ATDC has received significant recognition for its contributions to rural tourism:
- National Tourism Awards: Received in 2008 and 2012 for promoting agritourism.[3]
- Krushi Sanman Award: Awarded by Zee Media in 2022 for excellence in agritourism.[4]
- Shark Tank India Appearance: Featured in Season 1, Episode 2, gaining widespread visibility.[2]
- Media Coverage: Featured in outlets like Hindustan Times, Agro Spectrum India, and Business Standard for its innovative model.[6][1][10]
- International Conferences: Pandurang Taware has spoken at events like the Farm Tourism Development in Asia conference in the Philippines.[4]
FAQs
- What is Agri Tourism?
- It is an Indian company promoting agritourism by connecting urban tourists with rural farming experiences, founded in 2005 by Pandurang Taware.[5]
- What services does ATDC offer?
- ATDC provides agritourism experiences, training programs, consultancy services, and event hosting for rural tourism.[7]
- Did ATDC secure funding on Shark Tank India?
- No, ATDC did not secure a deal during its Shark Tank India appearance, but Namita Thapar invested post-show.[6]
- How many agritourism centres does ATDC operate?
- As of 2024, ATDC operates over 70 centres across Maharashtra.[3]
External Links
Related Startups
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "A S AGRI invests in Agri Tourism Development Corporation". Agro Spectrum India. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Is Agri Tourism India out of business after Shark Tank India?". Shark Tank India Club. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 "AGRI TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION". LinkedIn. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "Timeline – Agritourism". Agri Tourism India. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Shark Tank's Namita Thapar reveals her regrets, invests in an Agro-tourism start-up". Local Samosa. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Shark Tank India's Namita Thapar invests in startup she missed out on the show". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Agro Tourism Wins Hearts After Shark Tank India". Tractor News. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ "Top Startups That Got Rejected in Shark Tank India". Startup Talky. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ "Agri Tourism Development Company Private Limited". The Economic Times. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ↑ "A S AGRI AND AQUA LLP invests in Shark Tank Fame Farmer Pandurang Taware's Startup". Business Standard. Retrieved 31 May 2025.