27-10-2025:Governor inaugurated two divine educational camps at the Forestry College, Ranichaur of Veerchandra Singh Garhwali Hill Horticulture and Forestry University, Bharsar.
Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.) inaugurated a two-day “Chintan Shivir” (brainstorming session) on “Agri-Eco-Tourism in India: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward” by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the College of Forestry, Ranichauri, under Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar.
In his address, the Governor said that on the sacred land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand—where nature and human endeavor harmoniously converge—it gives him immense pride and joy to inaugurate the 14th brainstorming session on such a vital theme.
He remarked that this event is not merely an academic discussion but a visionary effort to shape the future—rooted in agriculture, inspired by the environment, and guided by the culture of tourism.
The Governor said that in Uttarakhand, tourism is evolving beyond recreation to become an instrument of sustainable development. Earlier, tourism was concentrated in limited areas, leading to environmental pressure due to overcrowding. However, initiatives such as eco-tourism and agri-tourism are now steering this trend in a new, positive direction. These initiatives not only ensure the preservation of nature and culture but also empower farmers and local communities with self-reliant and dignified livelihoods.
He noted that the roots of India’s economy lie in agriculture, with around 45% of the population still dependent on it. Agriculture, he said, is not merely an occupation but a philosophy of life—“the soul of rural India and the breath of its environment.” The confluence of these two elements embodies the essence of agri-eco-tourism, where one experiences the harmony of green fields, serene mountains, and simple culture together.
The Governor emphasized that India possesses immense potential and natural wealth, yet the development of eco-tourism remains in its early stages. He stressed the need to focus on eco-tourism and adventure tourism to promote sustainable tourism, adding that the Ministry of Tourism has recently introduced a National Policy on Rural Tourism, which can play a pivotal role in this direction.
He further said that agri-environmental tourism is an innovative business model capable of increasing farmers’ income, creating rural employment, strengthening livelihoods, and revitalizing the rural economy. It transforms traditional farming into a dynamic enterprise that integrates agriculture, nature, and culture. Uttarakhand, he added, holds a natural advantage in this field—its diverse geography, horticulture, organic farming, mountain agriculture, and traditional villages make it ideal for agri-eco-tourism.
The Governor congratulated the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students through eco-tourism and skill development courses. He also mentioned that similar diploma programs in agri-tourism management by Acharya Narendra Dev Agricultural University (Ayodhya) and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (Pusa) are inspiring examples, showcasing how India’s agricultural universities are evolving into laboratories of rural transformation.
The Governor extended his best wishes to the Indian Agricultural Universities Association (IAUA), VCSG University, and all participating experts for the success of this session. On this occasion, he also laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated to the public various development projects worth ₹2,722.64 lakh for Bharsar, Gairsain, Pauri, Pratapnagar, and Mailchauri colleges. He also inaugurated the auditorium and classroom of the Dean’s office at Ranichauri Bharsar College.
Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed the gathering virtually. Vice Chancellor Dr. Parvinder Kaushal presented detailed information about the program and welcomed all participants. Among those present were MLAs Kishore Upadhyay (Tehri) and Vikram Negi (Pratapnagar), Secretary Ravinath Raman, District Magistrate Tehri Garhwal Nitika Khandelwal, SSP Ayush Agarwal, CDO Varuna Agarwal, and various Deans and Professors from the colleges.
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