LETTERS: Agrotourism, or agritourism, has attracted increased attention in recent decades as a result of government initiatives to diversify the income sources of remote communities.
It aims to optimise the use and ecological impact of agriculture, while fostering hospitality to attract tourists, both local and foreign.
In Selangor, agrotourism ranks among the top 10 tourist attractions, alongside ecotourism, theme parks, cultural and heritage pursuits, shopping and leisure activities.
Sabak Bernam is one such location, particularly the padi cultivation in Sekinchan and Sungai Besar.
The region is part of the Industrial Clusters and Priority Areas for Industrial Development under the Selangor State Structural Plan 2035.
It has potential for the establishment of agricultural sectors beyond rice cultivation, including herbs, fruit and vegetable plantations and livestock.
An essential part of enhancing agricultural tourism is establishing an agricultural and livestock academy. And not just Sabak Bernam. Look also to other areas in the country to explore the full potential of agrotourism.
Thailand is a good example of optimal approaches to agrotourism. It has had a thriving agricultural sector for many years due to the abundance of fertile land suitable for livestock and cultivation.
Over time, many agricultural regions have undergone transformation into tourist destinations, attracting visitors and providing support for community-based tourism, rural tourism and ecotourism.
The thriving agrotourism sector offers visitors insights into rural Thai lifestyles, helps them learn about agriculture, lets them delve into the country's cultural heritage and allows them to visit environmentally sustainable destinations.
Agrotourism has provided economic and social benefits to the local community through the diversification of sources of income, creation of jobs and the establishment of business opportunities.
Learning from the Thai experience and taking into account our agrotourism potential, it is time for us to grow the industry, not just in Selangor, but nationwide, for the nation's benefit.
NADHIRAH GHOFUR
Sabak Bernam, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
