Purpose—This study investigates the low adoption rate of green agricultural technologies among farmers, focusing on the impact of natural disasters and farmers’ risk aversion variability. This research also aims to explore potential response strategies for these challenges. Design/methodology/approach—This study employs a dynamic perspective to assess the influence of natural disasters on farmers’ adoption of green agricultural technology. It uses a series of robustness checks, including substitution of the explained variable, to ensure the reliability of the findings. The underlying mechanism is explored through the lens of risk aversion, and a heterogeneity analysis is conducted to understand the differential impacts across various farmer types. This study also evaluates the mitigating effects of agricultural subsidies and insurance on the negative impacts of natural disasters. Findings—This study revealed the following: 1. Natural disasters significantly inhibit the likelihood and degree of farmers’ adoption of green agricultural technologies, with the conclusion remaining robust after the robustness checks. 2. The frequency of natural disasters increases farmers’ risk aversion, which in turn affects their decisions to adopt green agricultural technologies, with higher risk aversion correlating with lower adoption and engagement rates. 3. The heterogeneity analysis shows that natural disasters suppress the adoption behaviors of small-scale farmers, those with lower farming income proportions, and those with fewer types of agricultural machinery. 4. Agricultural subsidies and participation in agricultural insurance can reduce the negative effects of natural disasters on farmers’ adoption of green technology. Originality/value—This study provides original insights into the overlooked consequences of natural disasters on the adoption of green agricultural technologies and the role of risk aversion in farmers’ decision-making. It offers valuable policy recommendations for enhancing natural disaster warning and response mechanisms, intensifying technical training, and improving agricultural insurance systems to foster green and sustainable development of agriculture in China. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the need for targeted support mechanisms to address the challenges faced by different farmer demographics during natural disasters.