Open Day brings students closer to agriculture

The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Open Day was held on Sunday to popularize agricultural science among students and residents. Participants were invited to 35 CAAS institutions nationwide, getting access to scientific facilities such as laboratories, trail fields and seed banks.

On Sunday morning, children gathered at the academy's Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, learning about the vegetables and flowers they saw.

Zhang Helong, an associate researcher at the institute, said his booth was set up to show them the seeds bred by the institute.

"We have wrapped these lettuce seeds with round green shells, which are of the same shapes and rich in trace elements. The seeds are thus easier to be planted and will grow better," Zhang said.

Li Junfang, a mother of a first grade student, said her daughter showed interest when she saw the preview of the event. "Even I am curious about the science related to our food," Li said.

Chen Xingyu, a graduate student at the institute, guided children how to hand-pollinate different varieties of flowers. "They can better understand how to breed a new variety through personal experience," she said.

Since Open Day was established in 2019, more than 9 million students and residents have taken part in events online and offline, said Wu Kongming, president of the academy.

Sun Fajun, deputy director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs' Department of Science, Technology and Education, said the academy has been focusing on both scientific innovation and popularization. "Through various events held on the Open Day, people from different walks of life get to know the strong scientific power behind the grain harvest," Sun said.