Solan, July 15
Shoolini University will co-host the maiden International Conference of Agriculture Museums in India, organised by the prestigious International Association of Agriculture Museums.
This groundbreaking event will take place from October 13 to 15, 2023, at the Shoolini University campus in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Following this, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana will continue the conference from October 16 to 18, 2023.
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 shed light on the profound 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 initiation of a Horticulture and Agro-forestry Museum in Himachal Pradesh, a transformative endeavor that will not only exist physically but will also have an independent online presence as an educational and awareness portal. Building upon the successful oral history of farming practices project already underway in other regions, this initiative will expand to encompass the unique farming practices of Himachal Pradesh.
Chancellor Shoolini University Prof PK Khosla said Meusem is a new mode to promote higher education besides class room teaching. He also shared that university will also get the grant from the Government of India for the same.
Recognising the importance of representing 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 endeavor.
Industry experts, scholars, researchers, farmers, and enthusiasts from worldwide will attend this historic conference, which promises to be a truly transformative event in agriculture museums.
