Solan, July 17
Shoolini University will co-host the maiden International Conference of Agriculture Museums in India, organised by the prestigious International Association of Agriculture Museums.
This event is scheduled from October 13 to 15 at the Shoolini University campus in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Following this, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, will continue the conference on its campus from October 16 to 18.
During the first leg of the conference at Shoolini University, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the evolution of agriculture and agroforestry in the Himalayas, focusing on its adaptation to current environmental challenges and the development of sustainable models. This segment of the conference will highlight the significance of Himachal Pradesh’s agricultural practices and agroforestry, capturing the essence of the region’s farming heritage.
One of the key outcomes of this conference will be the opening of a Horticulture and Agroforestry Museum in Himachal Pradesh, a transformative endeavour that will not only exist physically but also have an independent online presence as an educational and awareness portal.
Building on the successful oral history of the farming practices project, which is already underway in other regions, this initiative will expand to encompass the unique farming practices of Himachal Pradesh.
Shoolini University Chancellor Prof PK Khosla said, “Museums are a new mode to promote higher education, besides classroom teaching. The university will get a grant from the Government of India for the same.”
Recognising the importance of showcasing the significance of agriculture to society, this conference will mark the inception of a robust network of institutions dedicated to farming and agroforestry. From universities to museums, farm organisations to collectives, and non-profit to commercial sectors, this network will collaborate through the South Asia Network of Grassroots Agriculture Museums (SANGAM). The aim is to foster an ecosystem of information sharing on agricultural topics, heritage, tradition, adaptation, and discoveries. The Government of Himachal Pradesh will be an active partner in this endeavour.
Industry experts, scholars, researchers, farmers, and enthusiasts worldwide will attend this historic conference, which promises to be a transformative event in agriculture museums.
