Scope for Promoting Agriculture Cum Rural Tourism in Thanjavur District- A Case Study

Background/Objectives: Thanjavur district- “the Rice bowl or Granary of Tamil Nadu” is one of the 32 districts of Tamil Nadu in South India and is well known for its domination in agriculture, architecture, music, arts and handicrafts. The author, a native of Thanjavur district, is of opinion that the district have not realized or understood its real potential to promote agro and rural tourism though it has many of the features required. Methods/Statistical Analysis: An exploratory cum descriptive study has been carried out by the author to identify the existing potentials for promoting agro cum rural tourism in the district. Details required for this study were collected from different sections of the society including Government Departments and experts through direct interviews, field visits, focussed group discussions and the findings were summarised and presented in the form of a case study. Findings: It is very clear that there is immense scope available as such to launch immediately the Agri cum Rural tourism in Thanjavur district. The district administration with the help of Govt. of Tamil Nadu and Govt. of India should take immediate steps to launch the project. Applications/Improvements: It is important for the government, society and the affected people to find out alternative methods of income to sustain their livelihood. Launching of “Agri and Rural Tourism” project in the district will benefit all sections of the society and the nation and hence this study assumes greater importance.