Is Agri Tourism India out of business after Shark Tank India?

• Founder: Pandurang Taware
• Business: Tourism
• Ask: ₹50 Lakh for 5% equity
• Result: No Deal
• Sharks: No Deal

Shark Tank Pitch:

Pandurang aimed to celebrate the village lifestyle, including its cultures and traditions. He founded Agri Tourism in 2003, with a mission to introduce city dwellers to the rural way of life. This venture offered various activities such as cow milking and natural rock painting, fostering a connection between urban and rural communities.

During the pitch, Pandurang revealed that Agri Tourism had partnered with over 600 farmers, attracting more than 700,000 tourists in 2018-2019, generating a total income of 53 Crores. Agri Tourism primarily focused on domestic tourism, targeting the 23 Crore people traveling within the country. Their vision was to change people’s perceptions of farming lifestyles and encourage them to consider village living over urban migration. The business earned 79 Lakhs in the past year.

Agri Tourism Negotiations:

Vineeta expressed concerns that once farmers understood the business, they might become independent. Aman suggested that competitors could replicate the model, but Pandurang pointed out that no one had done so since 2003. He emphasized that an investment in technology could fuel further growth. Aman, however, declined to invest, stating that he lacked the passion required. Vineeta followed suit, finding it irrelevant.

Anupam mentioned that excessive funding might not be necessary for their growth. Ashneer suggested that a change in the business model might be needed but opted out of the deal. Namita concurred, stating that the tech aspect was not as crucial as they believed.

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A post shared by AGRITOURISMINDIA OFFICIAL (@agritourismindia)

Agri Tourism Update:

Although the sharks did not strike a deal during the show, Namita later regretted not investing in the startup. Post-show, she not only invested but also partnered with Pandurang to create an advertisement video. This video was shared on social media and prominently featured on Agri Tourism’s homepage.

I regretted not investing in Pandurang Taware’s agri tourism venture & partnered with him post the show, this day at Baramati blew me away, Agri tourism promotes tourism, our culture, augments farmers income & must be supported & scaled, wish us luck !@agritourismind pic.twitter.com/2CfhE4OQ0J

— Namita (@namitathapar) July 7, 2022

Image sources: Agri Tourism India Instagram

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