Measurement and Convergence Analysis of the Green Total Factor Productivity of Citrus in China

Drawing on panel data for eight major citrus-producing provinces in China from 2008 to 2021, this study employs the super-efficiency EBM model—which incorporates both radial proportion and non-radial slack variables—to measure citrus green total factor productivity (GTFP). Temporal changes are investigated via the GML index, while regional disparities and convergence patterns are examined through a series of complementary techniques, thereby offering a comprehensive view of the sector’s green and coordinated development. The results reveal that, from a static perspective, the technical efficiency of most citrus-producing provinces remains below the production frontier. Dynamically, regional GTFP diverged markedly over the study period, with technical efficiency serving as the principal driver of growth. Convergence tests show no evidence of σ-convergence for the nation as a whole or for any of the three major producing regions. Absolute and conditional β-convergence coexist at the national level and in the upper–middle Yangtze region; the Zhejiang–Fujian hills exhibit no β-convergence, whereas the Guangdong–Guangxi hills display conditional β-convergence only. The findings indicate substantial room for improvement in China’s citrus GTFP. We therefore recommend that each region (1) accelerates green-technology innovation, (2) designs differentiated yet coordinated regional strategies, (3) institutionalizes long-term safeguards for green development, and (4) deepens international cooperation to enhance global competitiveness.