Agricultural machinery, as a key component of advanced production forces, plays a significant but not yet fully understood role in hilly agricultural areas.Analyzing and exploring its impact and contribution is critical for advancing the “Agricultural Power” strategy. This study empirically examined the “double path effect” of agricultural mechanization on agricultural green TFP in Fujian Province, using panel data from nine prefectural cities over the period from 2011 to 2021.The Metafrontier Malmquist Luenberger index method and differential GMM estimation were employed for the analysis. The findings are as follows: Between 2011 and 2021, the average annual increase in agricultural green TFP in Fujian Province was 2.35%, primarily driven by advances in agricultural technology and efficiency improvements. Agricultural mechanization in Fujian Province has positive level and growth effects, confirming the significant “dual path” effect. First, the “efficiency path” facilitates the optimal combination of production factors, ensuring that the positive output effects of agricultural machinery in the current period outweigh the negative factor substitution effects of agricultural machinery in subsequent periods, thereby enhancing agricultural green TFP. Second, the “technology path” promotes management improvements and technological advancements in production, thereby contributing to sustained growth in both the level and rate of increase in agricultural green TFP. Based on these findings,the study recommends promoting the staged development of agricultural mechanization,strengthening technological innovation of new agricultural machinery and equipment, fostering the training of agricultural machinery service personnel, and refining the precision and orientation of policies and systems related to agricultural machinery.