The series of activities for the ACIAR HORT/2019/164 research project entered its third day with a field visit agenda. Following two days of intensive symposiums in Yogyakarta, participants were invited to directly observe citrus cultivation conditions in Purworejo Regency, Central Java, as part of efforts to understand the real challenges of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease at the farmer level.
The first visit was to a citrus nursery at CV Mitra Bibit, Kemiri District, where participants could observe the citrus seedling production process and discuss HLB prevention strategies with farmers and field technicians from the early stages of cultivation. The discussion highlighted the importance of using healthy and tolerant rootstock, as well as implementing orchard sanitation standards to reduce the risk of disease spread.
The group then continued their visit to a productive citrus orchard in Bayan District, guided by Mr. Parman as the head of the farmer group. At this location, participants witnessed producing citrus cultivation practices and heard firsthand accounts of farmers’ experiences in facing HLB challenges. Several orchard management innovations introduced, such as monitoring the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) vector and implementing more adaptive planting densities, became interesting topics of discussion between international and local researchers.
This field visit activity strengthened the understanding that HLB control does not end at the theoretical level but must be integrated with field practices that align with the socio-economic conditions of farmers. Collaboration between UGM, ACIAR, and local communities is expected to produce sustainable citrus management strategies.
This third day also affirmed a tangible contribution to several sustainable development goals, especially SDG 2: Zero hunger, SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: Climate action, SDG 15: Life on land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals.
Writer: Beny Nabila Happy Fauziah
Editor: Tantriani
Documentation: Media Unit, Faculty of Agriculture UGM