Title: Nexus between agricultural production and environmental degradation based on the theory of environmental Kuznets curve: a dynamic panel data analysis

Authors: Swati Sinha Babu

Addresses: Department of Economics, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia-723104, West Bengal, India

Abstract: Expansion and proliferation of agricultural sector plays a vital role in achieving the sustainable development goals related to ending poverty and hunger. However, its impact on the environment is not free from contention. The aim of present paper is to explore the association between agricultural production and methane emissions (as measure of environmental degradation), across 87 countries classified into higher, middle and lower income groups, covering the period 1990-2020. We have employed dynamic system generalisation method of moment (GMM) to investigate the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis and study the long-run causal effects among considered variables. Results indicated presence of N-shaped relation between agricultural production and methane emissions for all groups of countries. Findings also revealed that fertiliser consumption and livestock production had detrimental impact on environment. Lastly, policy recommendations have been made related to agricultural production techniques and livestock management strategies that might help development of sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: agricultural production; methane emission; rice cultivation; livestocks; environmental Kuznets curve; EKC; dynamic GMM; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSE.2025.145298

International Journal of Sustainable Economy, 2025 Vol.17 No.2, pp.170 - 199

Received: 07 Jul 2023
Accepted: 01 Nov 2023
Published online: 31 Mar 2025 *

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