Digital integration to enhance market efficiency and inclusion of smallholder farmers: a proposed model for fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain

Abstract

High-value agriculture in India is witnessing a transformation, specifically in fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV). Supply chain stakeholders, mainly small and marginal farmers, receive a very minimal share in consumer rupee due to market uncertainty, high post-harvest losses, information asymmetry, lack of processing facilities and the erratic demand-supply situation. The current study draws from an extensive review to propose a competitive, inclusive, sustainable and scalable supply chain model of primary processing centers connecting farmers directly and efficiently with consumers. The proposed model will connect producers with the rest of the supply chain and streamline the supply chain process to reduce post-harvest losses as much as possible. The integration of a market information system will ensure transparency to help in better decision-making, reduced intermediaries and information asymmetry for producers, as well as the systematic disposal of the produce. The model will increase the efficiency of the FFV supply chain and has practical implications for agribusiness management and policymakers in relation to FFV supply chain development in India.

Main elements involved in the startup scalability process: a study on Brazilian agtechs

“…Other two agtechs (A2 and A3) help producers with an emphasis on vegetable production to more easily find their final consumers, creating solutions for the consumption link of the agribusiness chain. According to Nedumaran et al. (2020), market integration platforms guarantee the producer–consumer connection, increase price transparency and reduce the role of the intermediary and the handling of products at different points.…”

Determinant Factors of Digital Inclusion of Digital Divide Groups: A Tale of Smallholder Farmers of Bangladesh

“…Digital platforms should offer information and services relevant to agriculture, including weather forecasts, market prices, and farming techniques. Moreover, Access to digital marketplaces can help farmers connect with buyers and access a broader market for their products [27,28]. Nonetheless, government policies that support digital inclusion, such as subsidies for digital devices or tax incentives for telecom companies, can be critical, especially for smallholder farmers.…”

A Systematic Review of Sustainable Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chains

“…The results of the economic analysis conducted within the context of this study revealed that free consignment and minimum guaranteed arrangements were preferred by the exporters of Chilean apples when they exported to a country with a safe business environment. Nedumaran et al [50] proposed an SC model to connect farmers directly and efficiently with customers. The model also has as an aim to reduce postharvest losses.…”