Carbon emission reduction effects of agricultural digitalization technology an empirical analysis based on panel data from municipalities in Henan Province

The introduction of digital technologies into agricultural production and the development of rural digital economies are key pathways for achieving both efficient and low-carbon agricultural development. As a major agricultural province in China, Henan Province is striving to develop its rural digital economy and introduce digital technologies to advance smart agriculture, thereby leading the provinces agricultural transformation towards green and low-carbon practices in order to meet the dual carbon goals. In this regard, this paper explains the theoretical logic behind the carbon emission reduction effects of introducing agricultural digitalization technologies, based on the triple normative theory paradigm and spatiotemporal dynamic effect theory. Additionally, using panel data from municipalities in Henan Province spanning from 2011 to 2020, the paper conducts an empirical analysis of the mechanisms underlying carbon emission reduction effects. The results, from the perspectives of baseline regression and robustness testing, demonstrate the existence of such effects. Furthermore, this paper employs a spatial Durbin model with dual fixed effects to examine the spatial spillover effects of agricultural carbon reduction, proving that the introduction of agricultural digitalization technology has a positive impact on carbon emission reduction in neighboring regions. Based on both the theoretical logic and empirical analysis, this paper provides policy recommendations for Henan Province to develop green, low-carbon agriculture and enhance the carbon emission reduction effects of agricultural digitalization technologies, thereby offering theoretical support for the provinces transition to greener and low-carbon agricultural development.