Agriculture Induced Environmental Kuznets Curve: Evidence from South Asia

Abstract

South Asian countries are facing many environmental changes due to change in economic activities. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emission is due to the usage of fossil fuels and is the reason for an unsustainable environment. This region is pre-dominantly agrarian part of Asia continent. However, implements of agriculture rely on fossil fuels which may cause environment degradation. Sustainability development goals emphasis on sustainable development, therefore, controlling of carbon emission is how uphill task. Considering this, we explored the linkage of agriculture growth and environmental with the perspective of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Annual panel secondary data of data five South Asian countries has been taken on the concerned variables over the period 1980 to 2018. To achieve the objectives, we employed tests like cross-sectional dependence (CD, panel unit root and co-integration tests, FMOLS technique and DH causality test. The prevalence of agriculture- induced environmental Kuznets curve in South Asia has also been observed.