Residents reconnect with nature at GB Nagar farms
NOIDA: With Covid-19 taking a toll on not only those infected by the viral disease but also those who have been restricted to their homes ever since the pandemic began, the vast expanse of agricultural land in Gautam Budh Nagar has opened the doors of farm tourism in the district, providing a refreshing break to people who want to break free from the humdrum of their city life and reconnect with nature.
Farm tourism involves inviting and attracting visitors to a farm land usually for recreational purposes. These farms are run by locals, who have either bought the land or are leasing it out. Visitors can take a stroll along the farm and also learn farming from the owner or the local villagers at the fram. Many families plan their picnics in these farms, which also sell the organic products produced by the locals. Some farms also serve food made from the locally grown vegetables.
Located in Sector 126, Beejom is one such sustainable farm spread over two acres, which started in 2018 but gained more popularity post lockdown. Sector 20 resident Aparna Rajagopal, who owns and runs the farm, said since they reopened to visitors after Covid curbs were relaxed, there has been a revived interest in farm tourism. “Most of the visitors we had before the pandemic would get to know about Beejom through word of mouth. By the end of 2019, we used to host at least 50 people every weekend as entry remained free. After the lockdown was imposed, we could reopen in January this year and then again shut down in March after the second wave happened. After we reopened in September, we are hosting almost 100 people every weekend,” said Rajagopal adding that now they have started charging an entry fee of ₹100 per person on all days, except Saturdays, in order to keep Covid protocols in place.
There are those who picked up the concept during the lockdown. Sector 104 resident Sanchaita Mazumdar lost her job after the Covid outbreak in June 2020 and found herself scouting for land in Noida to grow her own organic produce.
“What started as a lockdown hobby to grow our own vegetables at a rented land turned into a family-run farm, which started hosting visitors by October 2020. The farm is filled with vegetable crops that we plant and harvest. My mother cooks these for visitors at a small kitchen here. Because of Covid, we only take bookings in advance and no walk-ins are allowed. We are overwhelmed with the response from people, looking to reconnect with nature and have a rural experience,” according to Mazumdar, who runs Baagh Bagicha farm and nursery in Sector 135.
However, he added that the concept of farm tourism still runs in an unorganized manner and needs a push from government agencies to gain more popularity.
There are about seven to eight more such places in Noida and Greater Noida which are being used for farm tourism. District magistrate Suhas L Y said, “There are various government policies under which rural and agricultural areas are being developed in the district. Further, if villagers and farmers face any issues, I will direct concerned authorities to resolve them.”