To further study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s spirit of answering letter to the students of STB of China Agricultural University, 13 graduate students enrolled in 2023 at the International Magnesium Institute of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, who had not yet enrolled in the school, went to Gusheng Village in Dali, Yunnan Province. They actively participated in the 2023 Pre-admission Training for graduate students in the National Science and Technology Backyard at the end of June. The training was structured into five distinct phases:

First stage (July 1-4): Cultivate caring for agriculture and learn the case of STB

This stage aimed to combine classroom learning with hands-on rural practice closely, allowing first-year students to get familiar with and adapt to the work and life at STB in advance. In the process of experiencing the current situation of "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers", they could deeply understand the connotation of STB, i.e., "solve people's livelihood issues and exploring knowledge". This experience could enable them to tap into their potential, enhance their professional confidence, cultivate their passion for "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers", and solidify their commitment to serving these sectors. This foundation established during this training program set the stage for their upcoming studies and life.

Second stage (July 5-12): Engaging with farmers-Gaining insights into agriculture, rural areas, and farming

Graduate students engaged themselves in the daily life of farmers throughout the day, shared meals, worked alongside them, and truly experienced the joys and challenges of agricultural life. This involved helping farmers to generate income and start businesses, publicizing and promoting local industries, monitoring dietary nutrition, tutoring children, and engaging in hands-on farm work. This process involved active interaction with farmers and their in-depth interviews. This allowed the graduate student to feel the difficulties of people's livelihood, find out the problems of "agriculture, rural areas" and propose practical solutions.

Third stage (July 13-August 1): Integrating theory with practice and increasing work responsibilities

The third training stage mainly focused on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience through field activities and research. During the training, the organizing committee carefully designed a program that interlaced theoretical presentation on green high-value crop planting, data statistical analysis, literature search, and other skill-based training. Moreover, students participated actively in the 2023 National Nutrient Resource Efficient Utilization and Agricultural Green Development Network Symposium. Graduate students also planned and participated in the "Echoes of Pinellia" artistic performance before the end of the training.

Fourth stage (August 2-12): Pre-admission practical training at Fujian Pinghe STB

The first-year students visited the Pinghe Honey Pomelo STB. They continued to conduct field practice and research on the honey pomelo industry in Pinghe County after leaving Dali on August 2. Concurrently, during the field research period, they carried out volunteer service activities for the Fujian Science and Technology Association of China Rural Special Technology Association, gaining insights into the emerging needs and key challenges restricting the development of the honey pomelo industry. On August 12, the first-year students pre-admission training summary report exchange meeting of the IMI/Pinghe Honey Pomelo STB was successfully held at Pinghe Honey Pomelo STB.

Fifth stage (August 13-15): Summarizing, Improving, and quantifying output

The first-year students actively participated in the summary and promotional activities during the online pre-admission training of the National STB from August 13 to 15. The students achieved excellent results in the photography competition, story contest, and summary report. All the students completed the training and received certificates of completion issued by the training organizing committee.

The one-and-a-half-month preschool training for first-year students effectively combined theoretical learning with practical application, enabling them to master preliminary research methods and skills. This approach leads to developing independent thinking, living, and working abilities while improving organizational coordination and publicity skills. This program helped the first-year students understand the operation model and specific approaches of Pinghe Honey STB, empowering the students to develop a deeper understanding and ideas on conducting scientific research and practical applications in STB. Furthermore, the training fosters a love for agriculture and cultivates the skills to revitalize farming. It stimulated a sense of responsibility in serving agriculture and strengthened the mindset towards agricultural scientific research services. This program was key in establishing the right professional thoughts and laying a solid foundation for subsequent postgraduate studies and research after admission.