Mechanism Analysis and Empirical Test of Digital Economy Empowering High-Quality Agricultural Development

The digital economy (DIG) has transformed traditional industries and advanced agricultural development. Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2012 and 2021, this study developed evaluation index systems to measure the level of DIG development and agricultural development. The entropy weighting method quantified these indices, while a two-way fixed effects model and spatial Durbin model assessed the direct and spatial effects of the DIG on the quality of agricultural development. The results showed significant regional disparities in DIG advancement and agricultural development. The DIG significantly boosted agricultural quality, with a greater influence in more urbanized provinces. Additionally, it demonstrated a positive spatial spillover effect; improvements in one region benefitted neighboring areas. These findings deepened the understanding of the DIG's impact on agriculture and provided a basis for regionally coordinated policy for agricultural modernization.