Heliyon (Dec 2024)
Assessing the economic viability of prolonged fuel cycles in the agricultural sector: Impacts on productivity, Human capital and sustainability
Abstract
The prolonged fuel cycles in agriculture present a critical challenge for maintaining sustainable productivity, especially in the context of global energy scarcity and rising operational costs. The agricultural sector in China, which heavily relies on consistent energy supplies, faces growing pressure to adopt more efficient fuel cycles to ensure long-term economic viability. This paper aims to assess the economic viability of prolonged fuel cycles within China's agricultural sector by utilizing a comprehensive econometric model that evaluates the impacts on productivity, cost efficiency, human capital and environmental sustainability. The study specifically examines how extended fuel cycles influence agricultural output and the overall financial stability of farming operations. Results indicate that prolonged fuel cycles significantly reduce operational costs by improving energy utilization efficiency and human capital development increase agricultural productivity by up to 12 %, and mitigate carbon emissions by approximately 15 % due to more efficient fuel use. Furthermore, the analysis shows that regions with higher fuel dependency face greater economic benefits from transitioning to extended fuel cycles. Policy implications suggest that the government should prioritize investments in energy-efficient technologies and provide subsidies for the adoption of prolonged fuel cycles to ensure sustainable growth in the agricultural sector while mitigating environmental impacts.
