Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology at the University of Tetova today organized a solemn ceremony on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of its foundation. This jubilee marked a decade of institutional dedication, continuous academic development, as well as reflection on the faculty’s journey so far and its vision for the future. The event was attended by the Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti; the Vice-Rector for Finance, Prof. Dr. Aida Yzeiri-Baftijari; the Vice-Rector for Education, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Neziri; the Secretary General of the University of Tetova, Mr. Adem Beadini; the former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Prof. Dr. Hazir Pollozhani; the former Dean of the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition, Prof. Dr. Xhezair Idrizi; as well as the President of the Student Assembly, Leart Ibraimi.
Dean of the faculty, Prof. Dr. Alirami Saliji, stated in his speech that agriculture, as an important sector of the economy, is the primary source of food supply. He noted that in our country its importance is further heightened by the fact that, together with the agro-processing industry, it contributes 16% to the national gross production.
“This situation can be overcome through the implementation of professional, sustainable, intensive, profitable, and competitive agriculture. Such agriculture can only be achieved if professional personnel are trained according to a European model, who will be ready to transfer scientific achievements in the field of agriculture to farmers. These professionals can be trained in educational and scientific institutions such as the Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, as an academic unit of the University of Tetova. Agricultural experts have a mission: ensuring food security, preserving the environment, advancing advisory services, implementing advanced technologies, financing the agricultural sector, adapting to climatic conditions, and applying sustainable and smart agricultural practices. This work requires professionalism, vision, purpose, dedication, and responsibility,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Prof. Dr. Alirami Saliji.
Regarding the history of this academic unit, the Head of the Department of the Plant Production Study Program, Prof. Dr. Hirijete Idrizi, spoke. She emphasized that the 10th anniversary of the establishment and activity of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology represents a special and highly significant moment for the University of Tetova and for the entire academic community.
“The initiative for the foundation of the Faculty was led by Prof. Dr. Hazir Pollozhani and supported by the then-Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, the Secretary General, Mr. Adem Beadini, the President of the committee for the foundation of the faculty, Prof. Dr. Xhezair Idrizi, as well as Prof. Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti (current Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy). Guided by the real academic, professional, and societal needs, all institutional steps were taken to prepare and submit the official request for the establishment of the Faculty, fully in line with the legal procedures in force. As a result of this process, the Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology was established on December 25, 2015, and was initially conceived with three study programs: Agribusiness, Plant Production, and Animal Biotechnology. These programs were designed according to the principles of the Bologna System and aimed at providing a comprehensive theoretical and practical education, reflecting the university’s mission and long-term vision for advancing the academic fields that contribute directly to the economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability of the country”,- stated Prof. Dr. Hirijete Idrizi.
Regarding their contribution to the founding of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, the Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, Prof. Dr. Hazir Pollozhani, and the Secretary General, Mr. Adem Beadini, were acknowledged. The Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology currently has 174 active students, while 56 students have successfully completed their studies, obtaining professional titles in the fields of agriculture and agro-economics. Today, the graduates are successful entrepreneurs in the agricultural business sector, both in our country and in the region.
