The Role of Government Schemes and Support in Agri-Tourism in Kerala: Challenges to Sustainable Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Agri-tourism, also referred to as agricultural or farm tourism, has gradually evolved as a significant component of rural and sustainable tourism across the globe. Tracing its roots to nineteenth-century Europe, where urban populations sought respite from industrial cities in rural landscapes, agri-tourism has grown into a multidimensional sector promoting recreation, education, and rural development. In India, with its agrarian base and socio-economic dependence on agriculture, agri-tourism offers unique opportunities to connect farming with tourism and cultural heritage. Kerala, popularly known as “God’s Own Country,” has emerged as a fertile ground for integrating agriculture with tourism due to its diverse cropping patterns, cultural richness, and strong tourist inflows. This paper examines the role of government schemes and support in developing agri-tourism in Kerala, while also exploring the challenges to sustainability in the era of artificial intelligence. The discussion highlights the dual potential of agri-tourism as a source of supplementary income for farmers and as a tool for rural development, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness. The study relies primarily on secondary sources, including government reports, Kerala Economic Reviews, Census data, and academic literature. Findings indicate that while  agri-tourism has considerable potential in Kerala, its sustainability depends on inclusive policies, technology integration, and community participation.