Mandya, July 21 -- "Agriculture is not just about growing crops and selling them in the market. It can create wonders." That belief has transformed a five-acre farm in Karnataka's Mandya district into a global agri-tourism destination, where visitors from across the world pay to transplant paddy, harvest crops and experience rural life, helping the farmer earn nearly Rs 10 lakh annually.
Venkatesh, a farmer from Palahalli village in Srirangapatna taluk, has adopted an unusual "pay-as-you-wish" model. He charges no fixed fee for accommodation, food or farm visits, allowing guests to contribute whatever amount they feel the experience is worth.
The initiative has attracted volunteers from Ireland, France, Hungary, Zimbabwe and Australia, be...