This study examines the influence of digitization on reducing carbon emissions in rural agricultural sectors, aligning with China’s objectives to achieve its “dual carbon” goals and diminish the digital divide between urban and rural areas . Utilizing panel data from China spanning 2011 to 2020, this research constructs a detailed index to measure the degree of digital infrastructure in rural areas using the entropy weight method and investigates its effect on carbon emissions from agriculture. The study analyzes the dynamic and spillover effects of digitization on carbon emissions both temporally and spatially. Additionally, it assesses variations across different variables such as geographical location, levels of regional development, and agricultural production objectives. The findings demonstrate that advancements in digital infrastructure significantly lower the intensity of carbon emissions in agriculture. This outcome is robust, even when adjusting the sample size. Notably, the effects of digital development on reducing carbon emissions are delayed and have spatial spillover benefits, showing a marked reduction in both current and future emission levels locally and in adjacent areas. The reduction is especially pronounced in the central regions, economically less developed areas, and principal grain-producing regions. Based on these results, the paper suggests strategies to enhance digital infrastructure in rural areas, capitalize on the temporal benefits, encourage nationwide balanced growth, and focus on key agricultural regions.