This study investigates the synergistic effect between the extension of Henan’s cotton textile industrial chain and the integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary agricultural industries, aiming to provide insights for regional agricultural modernization and sustainable economic growth. An evaluation framework was established, incorporating industry chain extension, industrial integration, and synergy indicators. Using data from 2014-2024, the entropy value method was applied to determine indicator weights, while the coupling coordination model and panel regression analysis were used to assess interactions and benefits. Case studies of Xinxiang, Anyang, and Nanyang further illustrated the micromechanisms of these empirical results. The findings demonstrate sustained growth in both Henan’s cotton textile industrial chain extension and three-industry integration, increasing from 0.28 in 2014 to 0.61 in 2024, indicating a transition to a benign interaction stage. Regression results confirm significant positive impacts: industry chain extension and integration enhanced farmers’ income, employment, and narrowed the urban-rural gap, while integration exerted a stronger influence on ecological benefits such as green production and emission reduction. Regional analysis highlights Xinxiang achieving a high synergy level of 0.74 in 2024 due to industrial clustering and innovation, while some cottonproducing areas remain at medium levels due to weak chain linkages. In conclusion, the extension of the cotton textile chain and agricultural three-industry integration have become key drivers of Henan’s high-quality agricultural economy, with policy and innovation essential for further promoting value-added processing, service industry integration, and sustainable development.

industry chain extension, agricultural integration, synergistic, coupling coordination degree