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

Mande Zhu, Dongdong Ge (), Menghan Wang (), Saffa Mohamed Massaquoi and Zhixin Wu
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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

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-21

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.

Keywords: grain security; continuous DID; DID approach; grain productivity improvement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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