Traveling to Quzhou Experimental Station

We, as master students from the School of Environmental Science and Plant Protection, left China Agricultural University to conduct field trials in Quzhou County, Hebei. This was part of the requirements of the program such that African students learn from the Chinese experts on knowledge transfer to the farmers. Through the leadership of Professor Jiao Xiaoqiang, we checked out of the dormitory following the university regulations. All students and staff were given protective utilities such as masks and sanitizers before leaving the campus with the school bus. The journey was fascinating as it was an opportunity to see the outside world, that is out of Beijing. As the traveling continued, I witnessed commercial agriculture, particularly in wheat（Triticum aestivum）and peaches（Prunuspersica）.

Most of the wheat crops exhibited signs of physiological maturity. By visually observing through the window I could tell the peach fruits were ready for consumption. The vegetation on the side of the roads, the mountains together with properly paved roads made the journey more memorable. Upon arrival, students met with the leadership of the Quzhou Experimental Station, Professor Rongfeng. From there, the students checked in with the local police, with the assistance of Professor Jiao. The police took some photos with individual students holding their passports. We were allocated our rooms, which were already prepared with blankets, chairs, electricity, running water, and other necessary items. Dinner was served in the restaurant at around 7:00 pm and most of the students enjoyed it. After dinner, a welcome meeting was held later at 8:00 pm. Professor Jiao Xiaoqiang, Professor Jiang Rongfeng and other staff were present for the short briefings. Students were given instructions on the program for the following day. We were strongly advised to communicate with their Chinese partners who were already in Quzhou by Professor Jiao.

He further went on highlighting other key aspects of project proposals, meta-analysis, and literature review. A brief background about Quzhou and the importance of the station as well as the background on soil fertility issues which gave rise to the need for intensive research on this location was described by Prof Rongfeng. Thereafter, students were allowed to ask questions. From the initial day, it was interesting to arrive and see how much the university had made the place conducive for learning. It was indeed a great success for students to be at Quzhou Experimental Station since it has experts with vast experiences in working with farmers, research, and training students.