Yogi Adityanath’s Farm Stay Scheme: A New Era for Agri-Tourism in Uttar Pradesh

The government of Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a groundbreaking initiative called the Farm Stay Scheme. Announced on 10 September 2025, this programme marks the state’s first major step in transforming its villages into vibrant hubs of agri-tourism. The initiative seeks to integrate agriculture, culture, and tourism, offering urban visitors an authentic experience of rural life while generating new livelihood opportunities for villagers.

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted the vision behind the scheme, stating that it is not merely about creating accommodation facilities but about opening the doors of villages to the world. From participating in farming activities to sharing meals in traditional kitchens, the programme promises to offer experiences that bring tourists closer to the roots of India’s agrarian society.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (Images via governancenow.com, makemytrip) | OpIndia

Defining Farm Stays and Their Vision

The scheme introduces a well-defined structure for farm stays. These accommodations must be located on or near a working farm and remain distinct from the owner’s residence. Each unit is required to have at least two rentable rooms and a reception area. However, what sets these stays apart is the focus on experiential tourism. Visitors will not only live in rural surroundings but also participate in activities such as ploughing fields, tending to dairy animals, cultivating horticultural crops, and even exploring fishponds.

The aim is to preserve the simplicity and authenticity of village life while aligning with modern standards of comfort. Unlike conventional hotels, farm stays under this scheme are designed to immerse travelers in the rhythms of rural living, ensuring that they leave with memories rooted in tradition and culture.

Government Support and Financial Incentives

To attract investment in this sector, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced an extensive package of financial support. Capital subsidies have been structured to encourage both small and large investors, with assistance ranging from 25 percent for smaller projects to as much as 40 crore rupees for larger ones. Women entrepreneurs, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward class investors are entitled to additional benefits, making the scheme inclusive in nature.

The government has also offered attractive tax and fee exemptions, including full waivers on stamp duty, land conversion charges, and development fees. Interest subsidies on loans, along with special incentives for employing local workers and differently-abled individuals, reflect the state’s focus on both economic growth and social responsibility. These measures make the scheme not only financially viable but also socially transformative.

Strengthening Rural Economies

The launch of the Farm Stay Scheme aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s broader tourism development strategy. Already the most visited state in India, with 65 crore tourist arrivals in 2024, the government now seeks to expand beyond heritage and religious tourism by showcasing its rural and agricultural landscapes.

By channeling investments into villages, the scheme will open new avenues of income for farmers and artisans. Farmers will no longer be dependent solely on agriculture, as hosting tourists and offering farm-based experiences will provide them with additional revenue. Local crafts and cuisines will gain visibility, and cultural practices long confined to rural households will find a global audience. This blend of tradition and enterprise promises to create self-sustaining rural economies.

Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Tourism

Beyond economic benefits, the Farm Stay Scheme underscores the importance of cultural preservation. Uttar Pradesh is home to diverse traditions, crafts, and cuisines, many of which risk fading in the face of urbanisation. By turning villages into cultural destinations, the government ensures that these practices are not only preserved but celebrated.

At the same time, the initiative promotes sustainable tourism. Unlike mass tourism that often strains resources, farm stays are built around eco-friendly practices. Guests are encouraged to engage with the environment, adopt rural living styles, and contribute to the preservation of local ecology. In this way, the scheme builds a bridge between economic development and environmental consciousness.

A Vision for the Future

The Farm Stay Scheme is more than a tourism policy; it is a vision for holistic rural development. By offering strong incentives, clear guidelines, and inclusive participation, the Yogi Adityanath government has laid the foundation for Uttar Pradesh to become India’s leading agri-tourism destination. The initiative represents a shift from tourism centred on monuments to one that celebrates people, lifestyles, and traditions.

As tourists from across the world look for experiences beyond the ordinary, this scheme positions Uttar Pradesh to capture a growing demand for meaningful and immersive travel. It creates opportunities for farmers, preserves rural identity, and strengthens the state’s image as both culturally rich and economically progressive.

The MGMM Outlook

The launch of Uttar Pradesh’s Farm Stay Scheme under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marks a transformative step in reimagining rural India’s role in tourism and development. By blending agriculture with hospitality, the initiative goes beyond traditional tourism to provide authentic rural experiences—be it ploughing fields, tending cattle, or enjoying village kitchens. The government’s structured guidelines ensure that farm stays are not just accommodations but immersive cultural spaces where urban visitors connect with India’s agrarian roots. With Uttar Pradesh already being India’s most visited state, this scheme opens a new dimension to its tourism model, shifting focus from monuments to living traditions.

Backed by strong financial incentives—including subsidies, tax exemptions, and benefits for women and marginalized groups—the scheme creates an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem. It empowers farmers and artisans with alternate income streams, preserves local crafts and cuisines, and promotes eco-friendly tourism practices. In doing so, the initiative not only strengthens rural economies but also safeguards cultural heritage against the pressures of urbanisation. By positioning villages as vibrant destinations, Uttar Pradesh is setting a national example of how tourism can drive social empowerment, cultural preservation, and economic growth simultaneously.

(Sources: OpIndia, Moneycontrol, ABP Live)