Tireless efforts of a section of youths have turned the Pagladia riverbank in Nalbari district into a hotspot of agro-tourism. The scenic beauty of the river coupled with the soothing view of agriculture firms on its bank has become an attraction for tourists and picnickers.
While the Assam Tourism Development Corporation has laid emphasis on the agro-tourism sector, a number of youths in the district have come forward to explore this sector and develop agro-tourism spots.
Jyoti Farmers Club was the first to develop a tourism spot, christened Kohuwa Resort, in their farm at Chengnoi village in Nalbari district in 2019. It was inaugurated by Nalbari MLA Ashok Sarma. The then Nalbari DC Bharat Bhusan Dev Choudhury took the initiative to develop the tourist spot. The MLA and Dev Choudhury also spent a night in temporary tent to promote the spot. Dev Choudhury also attended Bhogali Mela at the resort last year and asked all concerned departments to promote it.
Schoolchildren were also brought to the resort to spend a day amidst natural beauty. Due to such promotional activities, people from various parts of the State have started visiting the site, which also generated extra income for the youths engaged in farming.
The beauty of the Pagladia river, which flows from the Bhutan foothills, and the multiple crops like pumpkin, chilli, banana, papaya, mustard, marigold, among others, drew visitors to the agro-tourism spot.
President of the resort Pankaj Kalita told this correspondent that this year they have constructed small bamboo sheds, chang ghar, and bamboo sako on the banks of the river. A selfie zone was also developed with waste plastic bottles.
“We failed to accommodate some tourists and picnic parties due to a spurt in tourist flow this year,” said Kalita. He added that they are serving traditional food items to the visitors on demand.
Another agro-tourism spot in the area is Pagladia Resort, which was developed by the Sankardev Jaibik Krishi Pam in their agriculture farm on the riverbank at Mairadonga. Bipul Haloi of the resort said that the flow of visitors to their spot is gradually increasing. He added that in their agro-tourism spot they also encourage the new generation to take up agricultural activities by giving them live demonstrations. The Pagladia Resort also serves food to the visitors on demand.
It may be mentioned that both these farms are producing surplus pumpkin and other crops. The yellow carpet of mustard crops is a big attraction for the visitors.
