India has additional and compelling reasons to open up rural tourism. One is the immense potential for employment of rural youth. The other is that it could check the rapid rural migration which is having an adverse effect on cities. Rural tourism, besides, could not only revive pride in rural life-styles but also help improve the quality of life in villages. Improving the lot of the rural masses is a thrust area for the present government and the role tourism can play in achieving this is being emphasised time and again by the Union tourism minister Renuka Chowdhury. The Haryana step has spurred the Punjab government to follow suit.

The Haryana authorities have launched rural holidays in collaboration with a dozen or so farms near Delhi. They are located in the Faridabad, Gurgaon, Rohtak and Karnal districts. To take just one example, there is the Surjivan Farm close to the Classic Golf Resort some 50 kms from Delhi. Spread over 50 acres it is said to be based on the concept of 'back to nature' which the brochure says includes nature living, nature food, nature care and nature farming with a breathtaking variety of plants. For accommodation it has ethnic huts, a dormitory and even conference facilities. There are day packages (with concessional rates for senior citizens), overnight stays and group tariffs. Activities offer a choice of organic farming, herbal park excursion, orchard and table gardens, village safaris, cattle feeding, cow milking, camel ride and bonfire. Golf and rock climbing can be arranged on demand.

How well organised rural tourism worldwide is, is reflected in the existence of a global body called Agriculture Tour Operators International (ATOI) headquartered in New Zealand. And, this comes as a pleasant surprise, one of the founder members of this 64-strong group representing 34 countries is an Indian - Vinay Marwah, whose Uday Tours and Travels, a Delhi based outfit, has pioneered outbound travel by Indians keen to learn new agro technologies and practices abroad as well as experience rural lifestyles of other countries. In fact, Marwah was able to persuade ATOI to hold its 2003 international meet in Delhi. When he goes to Spain for the 2005 event he will be armed with packages for foreigners to sample India's rural life (email ids: utt@ndf.vsnl.net.in). Interestingly, the add-ons to farm tours in UK are theatre, cathedrals, Cambridge University or a trip to Scotland.

Rural tourism in India can equally enrich visitor experience. Our cultural traditions, dance, music, craft skills, cattle shows, village sports and the variety of our cuisines can be great drawcards. And, Indian add-ons are unmatched from the Taj to the Qutab Minar, the wonders of Hampi, the lofty Himalayas, the great desert and unspoilt beaches. But we need to address connectivity, especially access to rural areas, hygiene and basic infrastructure of a clean bed and attached bath. It is here that the Centre's intervention can make all the difference.