Green Total Factor Efficiency in Vegetable Production: A Comprehensive Ecological Analysis of China’s Practices

Abstract

This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of vegetable production efficiency in China using input–output data from 30 provinces spanning 2011 to 2017. By incorporating environmental pollution costs as undesirable outputs alongside vegetable output value, we employ Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with the Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (BCC) model and the Malmquist index model. Our assessment reveals both annual and inter-period efficiency changes. The findings highlight a modest overall efficiency in China’s vegetable production and significant regional disparities. Technical progress emerges as a pivotal determinant of total factor productivity (TFP). Recognizing these dynamics, we propose policy recommendations that prioritize technical innovation, sustainable practices, rural infrastructure enhancement, and specialized cultivation methods. Implementing these recommendations could bolster China’s position in international trade negotiations due to increased exports and potentially drive broader environmental policy reforms. As vegetable production becomes more efficient and sustainable, there might be a shift in labor needs, potentially leading to migration patterns or changes in employment structures. These insights contribute to the sustainable development of China’s vegetable industry, offering a broader understanding of the dynamics of agricultural efficiency in the context of environmental sustainability.