Regional differences and convergence of green total factor productivity in pig breeding: evidence from China

Achieving green, healthy, and cyclical development in China's pig industry not only enables the adjustment of the rural industrial structure but also helps meet community demand for safe meat, thus playing a critical role in promoting sustainable agricultural development. This research utilizes panel data from 21 provinces (districts) in China from 2004 to 2021 to construct an evaluation system for green total factor productivity in pig breeding (PGTFP). The super-efficient slacks-based measure (SBM) model is employed to measure PGTFP. Conversely, regional disparities in PGTFP are determined using the Dagum Gini coefficient method. Furthermore, we analyzed the convergence of pig breeding in different regions. The findings indicate that PGTFP in China exhibits fluctuations, with the highest PGTFP, observed in areas of constrained development. Development differences in PGTFP across China have gradually diminished, with the greatest development differences observed within potential growth areas. Furthermore, disparities between focused development areas and potential growth areas are the most pronounced and are primarily attributable to the super-variable density. Both & alpha;- and & beta;-convergence are observed for PGTFP at the national level and within each breeding area. However, the & alpha;-convergence pattern during COVID-19 is not obvious. Consequently, the formulation of differentiated farming development strategies and fostering the coordinated development of pig breeding in all regions have become imperative. Meanwhile, preparing contingency prevention measures to promote stable and high-quality pig breeding is necessary.