The XVII Agricultural Science Congress, held in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, brought together global experts to explore groundbreaking advancements in agriculture, focusing on frontier sciences and technologies for a developed India. This prestigious event, hosted from February 20-22, 2025 , provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the future of agriculture, encompassing key topics like precision farming, digital agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainable practices.
The congress theme, “Frontier Sciences and Technologies in Agriculture for a Developed India,” aimed to address pressing agricultural challenges and innovations. Among the key areas covered were precision farming , genetically modified crops, digital agriculture, and climate-resilient farming techniques. The goal was to drive India towards agricultural sustainability while fostering food security, environmental protection, and economic growth.
One of the key highlights of the congress was the Bee Vital Symposium: Understanding the Agricultural Significance of Honey Bees, which was co-organized by the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (KIS). This symposium emphasized the indispensable role that honey bees play in pollination and their critical importance in global agriculture, particularly in the context of sustainable farming practices. Beekeeping Academy of Slovenia also showcased their ongoing projects, drawing attention to the importance of preserving bee populations and sustainable beekeeping practices.
Key Participants included:
- Andrej Simončič, Ph.D., Director of KIS
- Prof. Janez Prešern, Ph.D. Head of Animal Production Department, Group leader – Apiculture
- Valentina Cvjetković, Beekeeping Academy of Slovenia
- Danilo Bevk, National Institute of Biology (NIB)
- Gorazd Trušnovec, President of the Urban Beekeepers Association
- Beekeping Academy of Slovenia also shared insights into their educational programs and international projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Zambia. 🌍✨
Since 2021, we have been successfully implementing the project »Beekeeping as an empowerment tool for landmine victims in BiH” in cooperation with our partners ITF Enhancing Human Security and the Organization of Amputees of the Republic of Srpske (UDAS).
In the project “(Women) beekeepers as drivers of positive change in Zambia” we are working together with ADRA Slovenia, ADRA Zambia and the Slovenian Business Club in Zambia. Both projects are supported by the Republic of Slovenia under the “Slovenian Aid” International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Programme.
In addition to the symposium, Slovenia’s contributions were featured in various abstracts that covered the significance of beekeeping and agricultural policy , and emphasized the country’s long tradition of sustainable beekeeping practices.
Slovenia’s International Collaboration Projects
At the congress, we also had the opportunity to present two key international projects. The Bee Vital Symposium featured contributions from Slovenian experts and highlighted Slovenia’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and the importance of collaborative international projects.
- Since 2021, we have been successfully implementing the project »Beekeeping as an empowerment tool for landmine victims in BiH” in cooperation with our partners ITF Enhancing Human Security and the Organization of Amputees of the Republic of Srpske (UDAS). The main purpose of the project is to equip land mine/UXO survivors with the knowledge and skills needed to establish small-scale beekeeping businesses and create a supportive interconnected network to improve the quality of life.
- Project in Zambia : In the project “(Women) beekeepers as drivers of positive change in Zambia” we are working together with ADRA Slovenia, ADRA Zambia and the Slovenian Business Club in Zambia. Implementation of the project leads to rural development, localization of food production through independent implementation of natural beekeeping and contributes to reducing the abandonment of rural villages, as it creates new opportunities for women and encourages young people to new forms of employment.
Both projects are supported by the Republic of Slovenia under the “Slovenian Aid” International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Programme.
Read More
We invite you to explore the Book of Abstracts from the XVII Agricultural Science Congress, where several Slovenian contributions were featured.
- “Legislation and Other Measures on the Safe Use of Pesticides on Bees in Slovenia”, Prof. Dr. Andrej Simončič
- “Beekeping in a warming world: Adjustments of practice”, Prof. Dr. Janez Prešern
Partner Acknowledgment:
»Beekeeping as an empowerment tool for landmine victims in BiH”
“(Women) beekeepers as drivers of positive change in Zambia”
The work done at the XVII Agricultural Science Congress will undoubtedly further strengthen global efforts in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. 🌿💛