Maximum needs to be done for bees
May 20 is World Bee Day. It was declared a United Nations (UN) in 2018. The date is associated with the birth of the important beekeeper of Slovenian origin Anton Janša, who was a pioneer of modern beekeeping techniques in Slovenia in the 18th century.
Bees are the most useful and intelligent insects. "Slovak beekeeping has a rich tradition. It belongs to the leading place in the world. In Slovakia, beekeepers can produce 6 to 10 million kilograms of honey a year. Consumption of bee honey is 12 to 13 million kilograms, so the Slovak Republic must bring the difference from abroad. On average, we consume 2-3 kg of honey per person per year, "says doc. DVM Juraj Toporčák, PhD. from the clinic of birds, exotic and free living animals of the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice. At present, we record 305,000 beehives and 19,150 beekeepers in Slovakia, which is the highest number in the last 20 years.
"The biggest problems in recent years are the use of pesticides in agriculture, the cultivation of monocultures and bee diseases," points out Juraj Toporčák. The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice makes a significant contribution to the field of beekeeping. "We teach veterinarians. We deal with bee morbidity and honey quality. We are engaged in research in the field of testing pesticides on bees and research in the prevention of bee brood plague. It is important that we protect bees, take care of them and do the best for them. They are a guarantee of a healthy life. "
Modern agricultural technology has proven that bees provide much greater benefit by pollinating agricultural and forestry crops. This benefit is nine times greater than the value of honey, wax and other bee products. Bees have an important role to play in increasing agricultural production. It is estimated that the honey bee pollinates more than 80 % of all entomophilic plants. Pollination activity is most needed where buckwheat, rape, sunflower, mustard, clover, alfalfa, fruit trees, pumpkin vegetables and cotton are grown.
Anton Janša (20. mája 1734 - 13. september 1773)