The impact of industrial agglomeration on new quality productive forces enhancement in China's pig farming industry.

Enhancing the development of new quality productive forces (NQPF) has become a critical pathway for overcoming the "low-end lock-in" of the pig industry and achieving high-quality growth. Based on panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning 2011 to 2022, this study employs benchmark regression models, mediation effect models, and threshold effect models to empirically analyze the impact of industrial agglomeration (AGG) on the enhancement of new quality productive forces in the pig farming industry (NQPP) and its underlying mechanisms. The findings revealed that (1) AGG significantly enhances NQPP, and this conclusion remains robust across various robustness tests. (2) Industrial structure upgrading (ISU) serves as the intrinsic driving force behind the positive effect of AGG on NQPP enhancement. (3) The spillover effects of AGG on NQPP enhancement exhibit a significant non-linear characteristic of "increasing marginal effects". (4) The impact of AGG on NQPP enhancement varies across regions. The promotional effect is more pronounced in regions rich in resources and with strong development potential. Accordingly, the policymakers should carefully consider regional factor endowments and production capacities when formulating differentiated policy measures tailored to local conditions. Additionally, efforts should be made to strengthen the integration of the pig industry chain and promote technological innovation, thereby facilitating the industry's transition toward intensification, efficiency, and sustainability.