The Faculty of Agriculture Celebrated Its 31st Anniversary

The ceremony dedicated to 31 years of successful work and development of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Banja Luka, at which diplomas were awarded to a total of 47 graduates of the first and second cycle of studies of this faculty, was held on 10 October 2023.

"The Faculty of Agriculture is one of the most active members of the University with respect to project-related activities and applications to international financiers, primarily to the European Commission", Rector of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, stated.

"This faculty is the pride of the University, considering that it is the first faculty at the University that managed and was the coordinator of an international project that was implemented at this University, in cooperation with other universities in the region",Gajanin said.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Zlatan Kovačević, PhD, stated that the faculty currently has 339 students, adding that in the 31 years of existence and operation of this higher education institution, a total of 1,828 first-cycle students graduated and attained the degree in agricultural engineering, 139 second-cycle students attained a master’s degree in agriculture, and four a PhD.

"I am especially pleased with the fact that this year we have 20 students enrolled in the second cycle, but also seven students enrolled in the third cycle, which means that in three years the Republic of Srpska will be richer for seven PhDs", the dean added.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Food Industry and Rural Development of the Republic of Srpska Saša Lalić said that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management address this faculty first when adopting programme and planning documents, as well as laws and by-laws.

"In the future, we will have a combination of profession and science in order cope with numerous challenges, from the global, market, and economic crisis to natural disasters and climate change", Lalić stressed.

The best student, Marijana Stanić, who graduated from the Agrarian Economy and Rural Development Study Programme, stated that this is a very promising study programme where one can gain different knowledge and skills in the field of economics and agriculture.

The programme of marking the 31st anniversary of the Faculty of Agriculture also included awarding certificates of appreciation to outstanding individuals and institutions that have contributed to the development of the Faculty of Agriculture with their work and efforts. Furthermore, an exhibition of students' products was organized, as well as the gathering of alumni, a presentation of the faculty's scientific and professional projects, and a number of other activities.

The ceremony given in honour of the anniversary of the Faculty of Agriculture was attended by the deans and vice-deans of the University members, as well as the Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Development Prof. Aleksandar Ostojić, PhD.