Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme has been introduced by Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government Of Punjab to tap farm tourism throughout the state. Under the scheme tourists come and enjoy rural life as well as take an extra income from farmers, by getting registered its Farm Stay Units.
A one-stop package on farm tourism, adventure tourism rural tourism, and cultural under one roof making your stay in the tranquility of clean Punjab agriculture a beautiful, hygienic experience.
Key Features and Benefits
- Benefits for Farm Owners:
- Additional income for registered farm owners.
- Registered owners can use the Punjab Tourism Logo on their signboards.
- Marketing support from the Department of Tourism (DoT) and Punjab Heritage Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) through:
- Official website promotions.
- Media coverage and trade fairs.
- Brochures, leaflets, and other printed material.
- Tourist Experience:
- Clean and hygienic accommodation with a cultural experience.
- Interaction with rural life and the opportunity to explore fields and farms.
- Certification:
- Certificates will be issued by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PHTPB.
- Validity: Lifetime.
Eligibility Criteria
For Gold Category:
- Farm area: More than 5 acres.
- Accommodation: Up to 9 lettable rooms (maximum of 18 beds).
- Facilities: Cooked meals, hygienic food storage, and optional management by a manager.
For Silver Category:
- Farm area: Up to 5 acres.
- Accommodation: Up to 9 lettable rooms (maximum of 18 beds).
- Facilities: Cooked meals, hygienic food storage, and must be operated by the owner.
- Existing village houses can also qualify.
General Conditions
- Tariffs for stay, food, and other activities are at the owner’s discretion.
- Each unit must meet high standards of hygiene, comfort, and safety, including:
- Clean, furnished rooms.
- Western-style toilets and 24-hour hot and cold water.
- Adequate power supply and ventilation.
- Tourists must be allowed to venture into the fields during their stay.
Application Process
Online Application:
- Visit the official Punjab Tourism Portal: https://punjabtourism.punjab.gov.in/.
- Click on ‘Farm Stay Scheme’ under ‘Register Your Units with Punjab Tourism’.
- New users must ‘Register Yourself’ by filling out all mandatory details.
- Login with your credentials and Apply for Service by selecting ‘Online’.
- Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee online:
- ₹5,000 for Gold Category.
- ₹3,000 for Silver Category.
- Upon submission, you will receive a system-generated acknowledgment email.
Approval Process:
- Applications are reviewed by the CEO, PHTPB, and certificates are issued online within 7 working days. If not issued within this period, the property is deemed registered.
Post-Registration Obligations
- Quarterly Reports: Registered units must submit reports on guest numbers using Annexure V.
- Self-Declaration: Every 3 years, owners must file a declaration regarding the facilities provided.
- Inspection: Units are subject to surprise inspections by the CEO or authorized officers.
Cancellation of Registration
The registration can be cancelled in the following cases:
- Violation of scheme guidelines.
- Providing false information during application.
- Failure to submit quarterly reports on time.
- Illegal activities on the premises.
- Complaints from customers found valid after investigation.
- Change of ownership without notifying the CEO, PHTPB.
Documents Required
- Checklist of facilities (Annexure II).
- Signed declaration (Annexure III).
- Photographs of the property and rooms.
- Approved layout of the farmhouse.
- Ownership proof (NOC).
- Photo ID proof of the owner (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, etc.).
- Affidavit for medical and transport assistance for tourists.
- Proof of application fee payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the Punjab Farm Tourism Scheme?
A scheme to promote rural tourism by registering farmhouses as Farm Stay Units for tourists.
Q2: Who can apply under the scheme?
Farmhouse owners in Punjab meeting the eligibility criteria for Gold or Silver categories.
Q3: What are the benefits of registering under this scheme?
Additional income, marketing support, official Punjab Tourism Logo usage, and promotional opportunities at trade fairs.
Q4: Who issues the certificates?
Certificates are issued by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PHTPB.
Q5: What is the validity of the certificate?
The certificate is valid for a lifetime unless cancelled due to violations.
Q6: What is the application fee?
- ₹5,000 for Gold Category.
- ₹3,000 for Silver Category.
Q7: How can applicants apply?
Applications can be submitted online through the official Punjab Tourism Portal.