Department of Plant Pathology (DPP), University of the Punjab, Lahore, organized an educational visit on April 21, 2026 to the research farm of Thakar Agrochemicals as part of practical learning for students. The visit was led by Prof. Dr. Amna Shoaib (Chairperson, DPP), along with Prof. Dr. Shazia Shafique, Dr. M. Nasir Subhani, Dr. Tariq Manzoor, and Dr. Tiyyabah Khan. Students from M.Sc. (Hons.) and B.Sc. (Hons.) Plant Pathology actively participated in the study tour. During the visit, students were briefed on ongoing field trials of various vegetable crops. These included different varieties of tomato, chilli, cucumber, onion, okra, squash, and capsicum, all cultivated under tunnel conditions. Experts at the farm explained the experimental design of these trials, focusing on how different varieties are evaluated and compared for yield and overall performance.

The visit also provided valuable hands-on exposure to plant diseases affecting vegetable crops. Students observed important diseases of tomato, including blossom end rot, necrosis, and sunscald. In addition, they examined squash plants infected with squash mosaic virus, enhancing their practical understanding of disease identification in the field. The students showed great interest and enthusiasm throughout the visit, making it a highly engaging and informative experience.

At the conclusion of the tour, Prof. Dr. Amna Shoaib expressed her sincere gratitude to Thakar Agrochemicals for arranging this insightful and beneficial study tour for the students.

A feedback form (https://forms.gle/MH2oMvoNjRuT8RsU9) was also shared with the students after the visit to record their observations, learning outcomes, and overall experience regarding the educational field trip. The students showed a highly encouraging response and appreciated the visit as a valuable practical learning experience.