Eco tourism has changed the identity of Sattari taluka with a large number of tourists visiting the place. The farmhouses have ensured jobs for rural people and business is booming in Valpoi town. From the point of business the last seven years have been very good with the number of farm houses increasing every year.
Prior to 2010 there was not a single farmhouse in Sattari taluka but now there are twelve farmhouses which are in good working condition and a few more are expected to start soon. And this is a green business.
A majority of the farmhouse owners say that in the 21st century, tourists don’t want the beach life since it gets boring. They want a serene environment which is guaranteed in the villages. All the twelve farmhouses are located in rural villages. Of the twelve, five farmhouses fall in Dongurli-Thane panchayat, four in Bhironda, two in Nagargao and one in Honda Panchayat.
The panchayat revealed not all farmhouses were registered and were hence illegal. The ones that were registered were paying house tax.
In Dongurli-Thane panchayat, there are five farmhouses of which only three are registered. The registered farmhouses are paying house tax but in the coming days the non-payment will be discussed and a resolution will be passed regarding the registration of the two remaining farmhouses. Govind Korgaonkar, the Dongurli Thane panch said they would tell them to pay farmhouse tax separately.
“Beach tourism is now becomes old and boring. Now tourists want to visit rural areas, they need peace. I have kept this in mind and set up the farmhouse and importantly it is an eco-friendly business. It will also help the next generation,” said Demu Gaonkar, a farmhouse owner.
Prashant Desai, another farmhouse owner said, “In my farmhouse, I have done inter cropping. In Sattari, the presence of mango was diminishing and so I planted 450 mango trees. Lime is very expensive in the market and I have planted lime trees. Papaya is good for health especially for sugar and I have planted them too. My farmhouse concept is totally different and related to Health. At the end of weekend, everyone wants to relax. And visiting in eco farm house makes the body and mind fresh and healthier.”
