A step toward the modern and sustainable agriculture: Evaluating the impact of information and communication technology on cereal production in China

Abstract

Achieving food security has become a critical concern for many nations. China has also made significant efforts to ensure domestic food security. In order to provide an adequate food supply in the future, this research explores the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) on grain production. Pool Mean Group (PMG) method is used to estimate a panel dataset for 31 Chinese province administrative regions from 2005 to 2021. To ensure that the panel dataset is suitable for use with the PMG model, cross‐sectional independence tests, unit root tests, and co‐integration tests are performed. The empirical analysis shows that ICT boosts cereal crops yields over time. In particular, a 1% increase in fixed broadband users and cell phones boosts cereal production by 0.03% and 0.06%, respectively, in the long run. As a result, in order to increase yields, China must expand its use of ICT in agricultural production.