選單
On the first day, students and teachers all gathered at the airport after check-in. Then we all went to the boarding gate. We took a flight to Bangkok which was around 3 hours long, after which we took a 5-hour flight to Lahore, Pakistan. We landed at around 10.30 pm
On the second day, we went to the field in Chiniot. In this field, they mainly grow corn and had an area where they were growing different varieties of soybean. The farmers in this field expressed that it is more difficult to take care of soybean than corn as it takes more water and care, these made me reflect on my daily life, water is a scarcity resource in my home country but in Hong Kong, we can use it easily, this educate me to be a better student and save water.
On the third day, we went to the University campus where we had a tour of the laboratory. Inside the laboratory, there are many different species of plants, we learnt about how plants co-exist together and their ecological relationship. After the lab visit, we had a meeting with the directors. Then we went to the first field visit of the day to Sahiwal. In Sahiwal, the field is mainly corn, where there is a separate area where soybean is grown. Compared to the field in Chiniot, in this field the soybean is not covered with corn. As the height of the corn is more than soybean, some soybean plants may not get enough sunlight. The advantage of growing soybean in Pakistan that it takes only 90 days to grow soybean while in China it takes 120 days. The farmers don’t need to take care for it for longer time. After the field visit to Sahiwal, we went to a field in Gojra. There, we had a chance to talk with the farmers and ask them questions about growing soybean. The farmers said that it is hard for them to protect the crop from pests and diseases as it isn’t the local crop so it easily gets infected. The farmers need to spend more money on pesticides. As a student, we should not waste food anymore after seeing the hard work of farmers.
On the fourth day. We went to a sunflower field in Narowal where there is an area for soybean in the centre of the field. There are different varieties of soybean grown here out of which 2 of the varieties are the best as they have more pods of soybean and can adapt to the environment in Pakistan. I learnt that although it is difficult and expensive to grow soybean, the farmers can earn more than growing wheat or corn. After the field visit to Narowal, we went to a farm. In the farm, there were many animals including cows, chickens and peacocks. This trip made me reflect myself on our food resources. The food we consume daily are indeed very precious and we should not waste any food in our daily life.
On the fifth day, Professor Chan gave a talk on Genome Refactoring of Rhizobia for Environmental Resilience in a Climate Changer Michael gave a talk on Engineering Solutions for Smart Agriculture and Mr. Anthony gave a talk on Seed and Seed Trade. On this day, I learnt how we can store seeds properly and some easy solutions to make farming easier. After the talk, I learnt more about the process on seed germination and the conditions to store seed, it is such a wonderful experience.
On the last day, the professor had a workshop on how to make a small and cheap soil moisture meter and a talk on bioinformatics.
As a biology student, I understand that true learning goes beyond the contents of textbooks. The study tour provides me with a chance to experience first-hand the application of knowledge, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By immersing myself in the practical aspects of soybean genomics research, as an ethnic minority, I am inspired by Professor Lam’s commitment to bringing his research on soybeans to developing countries. It is impressive to see how science can be harnessed to address global challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Participating in this program broaden my horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for the potential of science to make a positive impact on agriculture, society, and economic development.
This study tour equipped me with a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the field of soybean genomics. Understanding the socio-economic factors, cultural contexts, and diverse approaches to agricultural research, enabled me to think critically and propose innovative solutions. After the trip, I am more eager to utilize the knowledge gained to contribute to the soybean genomics research efforts in my home country and other developing nations. By joining the research of Professor Lam, I aspire to make a positive impact on sustainable agriculture, food security, and the economic development of my community, country, and the broader global community.
