<p>Agriculture is a cornerstone of socio-economic development and environmental sustainability in South Asia, playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study examines the influence of various agricultural production sectors—including aquaculture, capture fisheries, cereal cultivation, and livestock—on SDG outcomes across eight South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, over the period 2000–2023. By employing a comprehensive econometric framework encompassing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Fixed Effects (FE), Random Effects (RE), Instrumental Variables-Generalized Method of Moments (IV-GMM), and Quantile Regression, the analysis captures both linear and nonlinear relationships while addressing methodological challenges such as multicollinearity, cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, and non-stationarity. The results demonstrate that aquaculture, fertilizer usage, and livestock production significantly enhance SDG performance, particularly at higher achievement levels. In contrast, capture fisheries and cereal production display either negative or statistically insignificant effects, reflecting pressures from overexploitation and environmental degradation. Technology adoption emerges as a key enabler of SDG progress, especially in countries with lower baseline performance, though its incremental impact diminishes in more advanced contexts. Population growth is consistently detrimental to SDG attainment across all quantiles. These findings underscore the importance of nuanced, sector-specific policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices, facilitate technological adoption, and manage demographic challenges. Tailored interventions addressing these factors are essential for fostering inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable development throughout South Asia.</p>

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Assessing the impact of agricultural production on sustainable development goal attainment: evidence from South Asia

  • Masud Rana,
  • Hemanta Kumar Bhadra,
  • Md. Kamruzzaman

摘要

Agriculture is a cornerstone of socio-economic development and environmental sustainability in South Asia, playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study examines the influence of various agricultural production sectors—including aquaculture, capture fisheries, cereal cultivation, and livestock—on SDG outcomes across eight South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, over the period 2000–2023. By employing a comprehensive econometric framework encompassing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Fixed Effects (FE), Random Effects (RE), Instrumental Variables-Generalized Method of Moments (IV-GMM), and Quantile Regression, the analysis captures both linear and nonlinear relationships while addressing methodological challenges such as multicollinearity, cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, and non-stationarity. The results demonstrate that aquaculture, fertilizer usage, and livestock production significantly enhance SDG performance, particularly at higher achievement levels. In contrast, capture fisheries and cereal production display either negative or statistically insignificant effects, reflecting pressures from overexploitation and environmental degradation. Technology adoption emerges as a key enabler of SDG progress, especially in countries with lower baseline performance, though its incremental impact diminishes in more advanced contexts. Population growth is consistently detrimental to SDG attainment across all quantiles. These findings underscore the importance of nuanced, sector-specific policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices, facilitate technological adoption, and manage demographic challenges. Tailored interventions addressing these factors are essential for fostering inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable development throughout South Asia.