Advancing Green Citrus Production in China: Field-Based Training Highlights Newsun’s Biological Practices – AgriBusiness Global

Report on Green Agricultural Practices and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Collaborative Efforts Towards Sustainable Agriculture

• From November 3-5, the National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Center (NATESC) and the Sichuan Provincial Plant Protection Station convened the third National Green Plant Protection Training Program.
• The program exemplified a multi-stakeholder partnership, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by bringing together government extension agencies, research institutions, and private industry to advance sustainable agricultural practices.
• The central objective was to exchange practical approaches for green pest and disease management in citrus cultivation, directly supporting the transition to sustainable food production systems as outlined in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Case Study: Pujiang County Integrated Citrus Management Program

Advancing SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• A key focus was the Pujiang County citrus demonstration orchard, where Chengdu Newsun Crop Science Co., Ltd. has implemented an integrated, biology-led management program.
• Local officials highlighted the “Two Replacements” initiative, a direct implementation of sustainable production patterns under SDG 12, which involves:
  1. Replacing conventional chemical pesticides with ecological and biological controls.
  2. Replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers.

Integrated Biological Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems

1. Soil Remediation and Green Management: The application of soil aggregate–structure remediation agents and microbial inoculants improves soil ecology. This practice directly contributes to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by combating land degradation and enhancing soil health, which also supports climate action through carbon sequestration (SDG 13).
2. Green Flower and Fruit Set Support: The use of plant bioregulators, such as natural brassinosteroids, improves fruit set and size uniformity, enhancing agricultural productivity and contributing to food security targets within SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
3. Plant-Based Pest and Disease Control: A “biopesticide+” strategy centered on botanical extracts reduces reliance on conventional chemical pesticides. This approach supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by minimizing chemical exposure and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by protecting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
4. Fruit Quality Enhancement: A coronatine-based bioregulation method promotes uniform fruit expansion and coloration, increasing the marketable fruit ratio. This enhances farmer livelihoods, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and reduces food loss, aligning with SDG 12.

Program Outcomes and Alignment with Global Goals

Measurable Impacts on Key SDGs

• Reduced Chemical Pesticide Use by over 50%: This achievement significantly advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by reducing chemical runoff, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by protecting biodiversity.
• Reduced Chemical Fertilizer Use by over 30%: This outcome directly supports SDG 6 by mitigating water pollution and SDG 15 by improving soil health and preventing land degradation.
• Increased Citrus Yield by more than 10%: This gain in productivity is a critical contribution to achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and promotes sustainable economic growth for agricultural communities (SDG 8).
• Improved Fruit Quality and Soil Health: These qualitative improvements underscore the program’s success in creating a sustainable and resilient agricultural system, reinforcing progress towards SDG 12 and SDG 15.

Conclusion: A Replicable Model for Sustainable Agricultural Development

Fostering Partnerships and Scalability (SDG 17)

• Expert sessions confirmed that the Pujiang case offers a replicable and scalable model for achieving reduced chemical inputs while maintaining or improving yield and quality.
• The ongoing collaboration between Newsun, government agencies, and research institutions demonstrates a commitment to advancing the adoption of integrated biological management.
• This partnership-driven approach is essential for scaling up solutions to meet broader national objectives for green, high-quality agricultural development, thereby accelerating progress on multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses an integrated, biology-led citrus management program in China that focuses on reducing chemical inputs, improving soil health, and increasing yields. These themes directly connect to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) centered on sustainable agriculture, health, responsible production, and ecosystem protection.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The program’s success in increasing citrus yield addresses the goal of ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: By significantly reducing the use of conventional chemical pesticides, the initiative helps minimize human exposure to hazardous chemicals, contributing to healthier lives.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The core of the article—replacing chemical inputs with biological and organic alternatives—is a direct implementation of sustainable production patterns.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The focus on soil remediation and improving soil ecology through microbial inoculants and organic fertilizers contributes to halting and reversing land degradation and protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the actions and outcomes described in the article, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.4: “By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production… and that progressively improve land and soil quality.” The article’s description of a “replicable, scalable model for achieving reduced chemical inputs with stable or improved yield and quality” and “notable improvements in fruit quality and soil health” directly aligns with this target. The program demonstrates a sustainable agricultural practice that increases productivity (“citrus yield increased by more than 10%”) while improving soil quality.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.” The Pujiang initiative’s goal of “ecological/biological control replacing conventional pesticides” and the resulting decrease in “chemical pesticide use… by over 50%” directly contributes to reducing soil and food contamination from hazardous chemicals.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.4: “By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.” The article highlights the “Two Replacements” initiative, which focuses on replacing conventional pesticides and chemical fertilizers. This is a clear effort to manage chemicals soundly and reduce their release into the soil and broader environment.

4. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.3: “By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil… and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.” The program’s component of “Soil remediation & green soil management” through the “application of soil aggregate–structure remediation agents and microbial inoculants to improve soil ecology” is a direct action toward restoring degraded soil and improving land quality.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

1. Indicators for SDG 2 (Target 2.4)

   • Agricultural Yield Increase: The article explicitly states that “citrus yield increased by more than 10%,” which serves as a direct indicator of increased productivity.
   • Improvement in Soil Health: The mention of “notable improvements in… soil health” and the goal to “improve soil ecology” are qualitative indicators of progress in improving land and soil quality.

2. Indicators for SDG 3 (Target 3.9) & SDG 12 (Target 12.4)

   • Reduction in Chemical Pesticide Use: The article provides a clear metric: “chemical pesticide use decreased by over 50%.” This directly measures the reduction of hazardous chemical release.
   • Reduction in Chemical Fertilizer Use: A second key metric is provided: “chemical fertilizer use decreased by over 30%,” indicating progress in sustainable management of chemicals.

3. Indicators for SDG 15 (Target 15.3)

   • Adoption of Soil Remediation Practices: The implementation of “Soil remediation & green soil management” and the “application of soil aggregate–structure remediation agents and microbial inoculants” are indicators of actions taken to restore degraded soil.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: agribusinessglobal.com