Syngenta Drives Agricultural Modernization in China Amid Sustainability Goals

Syngenta's Commitment to Sustainability in Agriculture

Syngenta Group, one of the world’s largest agricultural technology firms, is ramping up its efforts in China to significantly boost its sales and service network by two-thirds over four years, as the nation targets improved food security and sustainability. The company, under the leadership of Petra Laux, the Chief Sustainability Officer, plans to expand its “modern agricultural platform” service centers to 1,000 by 2028.

Addressing Agricultural Challenges

China, with one-fifth of the global population and only 9 percent of arable land, faces significant productivity gaps compared to other major soybean and corn-producing nations. To counter this, Syngenta is focused on promoting farming practices that enhance biodiversity, improve water retention, and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

• Modern Agriculture Techniques: The incorporation of genetically modified seeds and advanced crop protection solutions is paramount to increasing farming productivity.
• Government Insights: Projections suggest that China's self-sufficiency in major food crops is expected to reach 92 percent by 2033.
• Global Perspective: Agriculture accounts for a quarter of global greenhouse-gas emissions, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming globally.

Empowering Farmers through Education

Syngenta operates 600 training centers and a mobile app that connects with over 100,000 farmers in China. Through these platforms, they share knowledge on effective farming practices that enhance yields while maintaining ecological balance.

By adopting sustainable practices such as crop rotation and no-till farming, farmers can witness yield boosts of 8 to 15 percent, minimizing their reliance on fertilizers and pesticides. This not only contributes to environmental conservation but also aligns with the aspirations of President Xi Jinping for agricultural modernization.