Saguna Baug: A new approach towards sustainability

The other day I had a chance to interact with Mr. Chandan Bhadsavle, director of Saguna Baug Agro Farm and one of the leading names in Agro Tourism in Maharashtra, India.

When the roads in Neral were much worse in 1979, agro tourism began at Saguna Baug in 1985. Mr. Chandan Bhadsavle's main business was agriculture, but owing to increased demand for experiential tourism, agro tourism entered the scene. This shows that agriculture should not be underestimated and has the potential to become a secondary industry for tourism.

As per his opinion, currently people are craving and are attracted to experience life on a farm and more of a village experience showcasing that agriculture cannot be underrated, and can also become a secondary sector for tourism. Along with giving an insight of farming, other activities such as horse riding, camel riding, snake demonstrations, bullock cart rides, honey bee nests, sale of agro products, Mallakhamb demonstration, Dragon net fishing etc are also provided at Saguna baug. This shows development of tourism can take place benefiting own business as well as local community as it gives rise in provision of employment opportunities, recognition of culture and local art and at the same time generating environmental awareness.

Similarly, it is also to be considered that nature and animals co-exists with us and we have no right to hamper and intervene in the ecosystem but instead strive for its conservation. This kind of tourism might also help farmers avoid suicide. Unfortunately, farmers today lack dignity and relevance.

Thus, Saguna Bagh undertaking Agro tourism as an initiative, is assisting to maintain sustainability in every possible way and at the same time facilitating the upliftment of the economy along with conserving our mother earth. Located in the foothills of Matheran, it is an eco-friendly rural farm where visitors may enjoy agricultural life while being greeted by courteous employees.

It will truly make you taste the jungle with an appeal of how one can learn to protect the environment by taking care of jungle habitat and still have the fragrance of how safe one can be if we anticipate in the right way so that jungle habitat starts accommodating you and spreading happiness towards you. Simply go spend a night or two and be blessed.