Abstract Based on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces over the period 2006-2022, this study dissects the underlying mechanisms through which energy-saving targets influence agricultural carbon emission reductions,and further explores the spatial spillover effects between them. The study shows that energy-saving targets significantly promote agricultural carbon emission reductions but with certain heterogeneity. Specifically, energy-saving targets suppress agricultural carbon emissions in the central and western regions, with a more pronounced effect in non-major grain-producing areas. This carbon reduction effect is primarily achieved by reducing carbon emissions from the use of agricultural inputs, crop cultivation and agricultural energy consumption. The examination of the channels of influence indicates that energy-saving targets achieve agricultural carbon emission reductions through pathways such as improving agricultural energy efficiency, promoting agricultural technological progress and upgrading the rural industrial structure. Fiscal support for agriculture can enhance the carbon emission reduction effect of energy-saving targets, while rural population aging tends to weaken this effect.Further analysis reveals that the impact of energy-saving target constraints on agricultural carbon emissions still has negative spatial spillover effects. The research has policy implications for using energy-saving goals to reduce agricultural carbon emissions.
2025, Vol. 42 
