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Does Construction of High-Standard Farmland Improve Total Factor Productivity of Grain? Evidence from China, 2000–2021

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Listed:
  • Mande Zhu

    (College of Economics, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China)

  • Dongdong Ge

    (College of Economics, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China)

  • Menghan Wang

    (College of Economics, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China)

  • Saffa Mohamed Massaquoi

    (College of Economics, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China)

  • Zhixin Wu

    (College of Economics, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of China’s construction of high-standard farmland (CHSF) initiatives on grain productivity, focusing on total factor productivity growth of grain (TFPG) from 2000 to 2021. Using a continuous Difference-in-Differences (DID) approach based on balanced panel data from 31 Chinese provinces, this paper identifies significant productivity improvements, with TFPG increasing by an average of 7% post-implementation of CHSF. However, the effects are not uniform across regions—productivity gains are more pronounced in non-major grain-producing and plain areas, emphasizing the role of region-specific infrastructure and adaptive strategies. These findings provide empirical evidence on how large-scale farmland improvement enhances productivity through mechanization and better land use. However, the reliance on provincial-level data may result in localized variations in CHSF implementation being overlooked, suggesting the need for further micro-level analysis. Overall, this study highlights the importance of tailored agricultural policies to enhance their effectiveness and promote agricultural sustainability in China and other developing economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Mande Zhu & Dongdong Ge & Menghan Wang & Saffa Mohamed Massaquoi & Zhixin Wu, 2025. "Does Construction of High-Standard Farmland Improve Total Factor Productivity of Grain? Evidence from China, 2000–2021," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:5:p:1078-:d:1656872
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    References listed on IDEAS

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