🐝
UNIVERSITY OF LADAKH · LEH, LADAKH

WORLD HONEY CONCLAVE 2026

20th – 22nd May 2026

"Honey: Sustaining Life, Sweetening Futures"

Celebrating Knowledge, Sustainability & Innovation

10+
Global Keynote
Speakers
6
Thematic
Tracks
3
Days of
Knowledge
4
Collaborating
Institutions
SCROLL TO EXPLORE

IN COLLABORATION WITH

SKUAST-J, Jammu (J&K UT) Global Green Growth Co, Bengaluru The Hive Trust Honey Day Bee Farms, Bengaluru
ABOUT THE CONCLAVE

About WHC 2026

The World Honey Conclave 2026 is an international academic and professional conference designed to serve as the foremost convergence platform for the global honey and apiculture sector. Organised by the University of Ladakh and supported by leading collaborating institutions, WHC 2026 brings together scientists, researchers, beekeepers, industry professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, conservation biologists, and development practitioners.

Ladakh's unique cold-arid climate supports resilient native honeybee species and endemic medicinal flora that yield organic honey with distinctive biochemical properties. The University of Ladakh recognises this ecological significance and has convened WHC 2026 as a platform to advance scientific understanding, promote knowledge transfer, and catalyse sustainable development initiatives across Himalayan regions and beyond.

The conference will facilitate rigorous academic discourse, capacity development, and technological innovation tailored to high-altitude and challenging Himalayan environmental conditions.

🎯

KEY OBJECTIVES

  • Advance scientific knowledge in pollination ecology & bee health
  • Bridge indigenous knowledge with modern apiculture research
  • Establish international research networks & collaborative projects
  • Develop robust honey value chains & market access frameworks
  • Promote Ladakh as a centre for high-altitude apicultural research
🌏

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

  • Evidence-based policy recommendations for sustainable beekeeping
  • Multi-institutional research consortia & collaborative projects
  • Capacity enhancement for local Ladakhi beekeeping communities
  • Publication of conference proceedings in indexed journals
  • B2B connections between producers, researchers & market stakeholders
PATRONAGE & LEADERSHIP
👤
CHIEF PATRON
Mr. Ashish Kundra, IAS
Pro-Chancellor, UoL & Chief Secretary, Ladakh UT
👤
PATRON
Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha
Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh
👤
CO-PATRON
Prof. (Dr.) B.N. Tripathi
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J, Jammu
👤
CONVENER
Dr. Subrat Sharma
Dean, Academic Affairs, UoL
👤
CO-CONVENER
Dr. Anil Kumar
Registrar & Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-J
DISTINGUISHED EXPERTS

Keynote Speakers

🔬
KEYNOTE · 1

Dr. Devinder Sharma

Professor — Honeybee & Pollinators

Division of Entomology, FoA, SKUAST-J, Chatha, Jammu

🇮🇳 India
🌿
KEYNOTE · 2

Dr. Hiren Gogoi

Assistant Professor

Rajiv Gandhi Central University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

🇮🇳 India
🏆
KEYNOTE · 3

Dr. Debjani Dey

DST WIDUSHI Fellow | Former Head & Professor, Entomology

ICAR-IARI (PUSA), New Delhi — 110012

🇮🇳 India
✍️
KEYNOTE · 4

Dr. Randy Oliver

Researcher & Science Writer

Scientific Beekeeping, Grass Valley, California, USA

🇺🇸 USA
🔬
KEYNOTE · 5

Dr. Kumaranag P.

Senior Scientist, Division of Entomology

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi

🇮🇳 India
🧬
KEYNOTE · 6

Dr. V.V. Ramamurthy

Senior Scientist, Division of Entomology

ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

🇮🇳 India
🐝
KEYNOTE · 7

Dr. Jens Pistorius

Head, Institute for Bee Protection

Julius-Kühn-Institut (JKI), Germany

🇩🇪 Germany
🌿
KEYNOTE · 8

Dr. Gard W. Otis

Professor Emeritus — Behavioural Ecology & Apiculture (1982–2017)

School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Canada

🇨🇦 Canada
🎓
KEYNOTE · 9

Dr. Elina L. Niño

Associate Professor of Cooperative Extension — Apiculture

Dept. of Entomology & Nematology, UC Davis, California, USA

🇺🇸 USA
🌍
KEYNOTE · 10

Dr. Nicola Bradbear

Director, Bees for Development

Monmouth, Wales, United Kingdom

🇬🇧 UK
KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS

Thematic Tracks

"Honey: Sustaining Life, Sweetening Futures"

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TRACK A

Beekeeping, Apiculture & Technological Innovation

  • Advanced beekeeping methodologies & modern hive equipment
  • Breeding programmes & genetic improvement of bee species
  • Digital technologies & precision apiculture (IoT, AI, remote sensing)
  • Indigenous & traditional beekeeping knowledge systems
🌿
TRACK B

Biodiversity Conservation & Pollination Ecology

  • Pollinator diversity and ecosystem services
  • Native bee species conservation strategies
  • Plant-pollinator interactions in high-altitude environments
  • Impact of landscape change on pollinator communities
🍯
TRACK C

Nutrition, Health Sciences & Entrepreneurship

  • Biochemical composition & therapeutic properties of honey
  • Quality assessment & authentication technologies
  • Nutraceutical applications & functional food development
  • Startup ecosystems & business model innovation in apiculture
📈
TRACK D

Economics, Market Dynamics & Regulatory Frameworks

  • Global honey trade and market analysis
  • Certification systems and quality standards
  • Policy interventions for sustainable apiculture
  • Fair trade practices and supply chain transparency
🌍
TRACK E

Sustainability & Climate Action

  • Climate change impacts on bee populations & honey production
  • Carbon sequestration & environmental benefits of beekeeping
  • Sustainable resource management in apiculture
  • Adaptation strategies for extreme high-altitude environments
🏔️
TRACK F

Cultural Heritage, Traditional Knowledge & Apitourism

  • Ethnobotanical perspectives on honey use
  • Cultural significance of bees in Himalayan societies
  • Apitourism as a sustainable livelihood strategy
  • Community-based conservation approaches
20–22 MAY 2026

Programme Schedule

Inauguration & Plenary — 20th May 2026

1
Registration & Delegate Kit Distribution09:00 – 10:00

Foyer, UoL Convention Hall

2
Inaugural Ceremony — Lamp Lighting, Welcome & Chief Guest Address, Release of WHC 2026 Proceedings10:00 – 11:30

Main Auditorium, UoL

3
🎤 Keynote Address I: Global Scenario of Honey Production & Trade11:30 – 12:00

Main Auditorium

4
Exhibition Launch — Honey & Apiculture Products & Innovations12:00 – 13:00

Exhibition Pavilion

5
Networking Lunch13:00 – 14:00

UoL Cafeteria

6
Plenary: Policy Dialogue on National Beekeeping Mission14:00 – 15:30

Main Auditorium

7
Parallel Technical Sessions — Track A & Track B16:00 – 17:30

Seminar Halls 1 & 2

🎶
Cultural Evening — Ladakhi Folk Arts & Local Honey Tasting18:00 – 20:00

Open Amphitheatre, UoL Campus

Science, Innovation & Entrepreneurship — 21st May 2026

1
🎤 Keynote Address II: Climate Change & Pollinator Health09:00 – 09:30

Main Auditorium

2
Parallel Technical Sessions — Track C & Track D09:30 – 11:00

Seminar Halls 1 & 2

3
Workshop: Precision Apiculture — IoT & AI in Beehive Management11:15 – 12:30

Computer Lab, UoL

4
🏆 Startup Pitch Competition — Apiculture Entrepreneurship13:30 – 15:00

Seminar Hall 3

5
Parallel Technical Sessions — Track E & Track F15:00 – 16:30

Seminar Halls 1 & 2

6
Panel Discussion: Building a Billion-Dollar Honey Industry in India16:30 – 17:00

Main Auditorium

Field Visit, Leh Declaration & Valediction — 22nd May 2026

🏔️
Field Excursion — Ladakh Honey Village & High-Altitude Bee Habitat Tour07:00 – 11:30

Departure from UoL Campus

2
Open Forum: Regional Beekeepers & Farmer Network Meet11:30 – 13:00

Community Hall, UoL

3
Drafting: "Leh Declaration on Sustainable Apiculture 2026"14:00 – 15:00

Conference Room, UoL

🎓
Valedictory Ceremony — Awards, Certificates & Adoption of Leh Declaration15:00 – 16:30

Main Auditorium, UoL

🍵
High Tea & Farewell Networking16:30 – 17:00

Foyer, Convention Hall

SUBMISSIONS OPEN

Call for Abstracts & Papers

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

🎤
Oral Presentations
🖼️
Poster Presentations
📄
Full Paper / Short Communications
🔬
Case Studies & Field Reports
💡
Technology Demonstrations
📋
Policy Briefs & Review Papers

ABSTRACT GUIDELINES

  • Length: 250–300 words
  • Format: Submit both PDF & Word (.docx)
  • Structure: Title · Authors & Affiliations · Background · Objectives · Methodology · Results · Conclusion
  • Language: English (British or American)
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
  • Poster Size: 2.5 ft (W) × 3.5 ft (L)
  • Submission Email: [email protected]

AWARDS

  • 🥇 Best Oral Presentation Award
  • 🥇 Best Poster Presentation Award
  • 🥇 Innovation Excellence Award

IMPORTANT DATES

OPENS
Abstract Submission Opens
20th March 2026
DEADLINE
Abstract Submission Deadline
20th April 2026
NOTIFICATION
Acceptance / Rejection Notice
Within 10 Days
REGISTRATION CLOSES
Standard Registration Deadline
10th May 2026
CONFERENCE DAYS
World Honey Conclave 2026
20–22 May 2026
JOIN THE CONCLAVE

Registration Details

REGISTRATION FEE STRUCTURE

CATEGORY
AMOUNT (INR)
AMOUNT (USD)
🎓 Students
₹ 300 /-
$ 50 /-
📚 Scholars
₹ 1,000 /-
$ 75 /-
👨‍🏫 Faculty
₹ 1,500 /-
$ 100 /-
🏭 Industries
₹ 3,000 /-
$ 150 /-

Registration fees do not include travel and accommodation expenses.

BANK DETAILS (NEFT / RTGS)

Beneficiary:Symposium/Conference
Bank:J & K Bank Ltd
Account No:0773040520000003
Branch:SNM Hospital, Leh, Ladakh
IFSC:JAKA0SNMLEH
MICR:194051002
SWIFT:JAKAINDBSRI

Payment also accepted via RTGS / Google Pay. Cash accepted at registration desk.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Register online through the official Google Form. Seats are limited — register early to secure your spot.

https://forms.gle/7o43NaPrjPgbZ85Y6
LADAKH, INDIA

Venue & Travel

VENUE

University of Ladakh — Leh Campus

Taru Thang, Leh-Kargil Road (NH1)

Ladakh UT — 194101, India

Approximately 20 km from Leh town · Altitude: ~3,500 m (11,500 ft)

GETTING THERE

✈️ By Air

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh) — regular flights from Delhi, Srinagar, Jammu & Chandigarh. Airport is ~18 km from campus.

🚗 By Road (Srinagar)

~420 km via Srinagar–Leh Highway (NH1) · Open May–November

🚗 By Road (Manali)

~470 km via Manali–Leh Highway · Open June–October

⚠️ ALTITUDE ADVISORY

  • Allow 24–48 hours minimum for acclimatisation upon arrival
  • Stay well-hydrated; avoid strenuous activity on day of arrival
  • Consult a physician if you have heart or respiratory conditions
  • No TA/DA provided — book accommodation well in advance

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LEH-LADAKH

🏔️
Pangong Lake
Breathtaking high-altitude lake with stunning blue hues
🐪
Nubra Valley
Famous for sand dunes, Bactrian camels & scenic villages
🛣️
Khardung La
One of the world's highest motorable mountain passes
🕌
Shanti Stupa
Iconic white-domed monument — ideal for sunrise views
🏯
Leh Palace
Historic 17th-century palace overlooking Leh town
🛕
Hemis Monastery
Ladakh's largest monastery — renowned for vibrant festivals
🔭
Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
Home to one of world's highest observatories
GET IN TOUCH

Contact Us

🐝
WHC 2026 SECRETARIAT

University of Ladakh

Leh Campus, Taru Thang, Leh-Kargil Road (NH1)

Ladakh UT — 194101, India

✉️ [email protected]
👩‍🔬
ORGANISING SECRETARY
Dr. Jyoti Falswal
Asst. Professor, Dept. of Zoology
University of Ladakh
📧 [email protected]
👨‍🔬
JT. ORGANISING SECRETARY
Dr. Irshad Ahmad
Asst. Professor, Dept. of Zoology
University of Ladakh
📧 [email protected] 📞 +91-8527058310