For the first time, the Congress of International Agricultural Museums will be hosted in India. This triennial event, which will be held from October 13 to 18, is a key milestone for the International Association of Agricultural Museums (AIMA), which seeks to encourage interest in the historical and contemporary effect of agriculture on human civilization.
The congress serves as a platform for organizations dedicated to promoting agricultural heritage, environmental awareness, and museography exploration. Held in different countries every three years, it offers an opportunity to discover diverse and unique agricultural practices, environmental perspectives, and museum experiences that can inspire new ideas and projects worldwide.
The 20th Congress of International Agricultural Museums (CIMA) will mark the first time the event has been hosted in Asia and India. The prestigious host institutions for this edition are Shoolini University, located in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and The Heritage Foundation, based in New Delhi. The partnership between these esteemed organizations reflects India's commitment to showcasing its rich agricultural heritage on the global stage.
In addition to the main congress proceedings, the event will also include visits to museums and fields to provide delegates with firsthand experiences of India's agricultural landscape. Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage in Delhi are among the partnering institutions for this remarkable event.
The South Asian region has a deep-rooted history of agricultural practices and associated traditions. Agriculture has played a central role in the development of the Indic civilization, leading to numerous achievements. The CIMA 2023 Congress aims to shed light on these traditions, particularly the contemporary adaptations that address the unique challenges faced by farmers. It will explore innovative approaches and alternative solutions to tackle local agricultural issues, food security, and nutrition.
Established in 1966, AIMA has been organizing congresses every three years, even during the Cold War era. These congresses have facilitated invaluable opportunities for professionals in the field to exchange knowledge, experiences, and personal insights. The association continues to promote research, collaboration, and the advancement of agricultural and rural museums worldwide.
As India prepares to host the 20th Congress of International Agricultural Museums, it anticipates welcoming agricultural enthusiasts, scholars, and experts from around the world. This event will not only serve as a platform for knowledge exchange but also contribute to the preservation and celebration of the agricultural heritage that has shaped societies throughout history.
