Prioritization of drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics in an emerging economy using fuzzy AHP

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize the drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics improvements in an emerging economy like India. The field of agri-logistics lies at the critical intersection of the agricultural and logistics sectors and is capable of ameliorating the state of food distribution in the country. The inefficiencies inherent in the food distribution system in India lead to massive post-harvest wastage that is estimated at around 13bn dollars per annum. This paper examines the improvement drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics that can significantly contribute toward the enhancement of the agricultural supply chain. Design/methodology/approach The synthesis and prioritization of drivers, enablers and resistors was based on an extensive literature review and consultation with experts. With the help of semi-structured interviews and a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process approach, the research develops a drivers-enablers-resitors framework. Findings The outcome is a hierarchy-based framework that prioritizes the drivers, enablers and resistors of agri-logistics. The research reveals the critical areas where decision makers should channelize their resources and efforts to gain maximum benefits. Originality/value The segmentation of the factors impacting agri-logistics into drivers, enablers and resistors provides a fresh perspective on the issue and helps improve understanding of the problem. Prioritization of the factors represents a unique contribution to the field of agri-logistics.

Influence of contextual factors on investment decision-making: a fuzzy-AHP approach

“…The following fuzzy-AHP steps have been used for calculating weights to evaluate the model are given below (Zaim et al , 2012; Garg et al , 2021; Jakhar and Srivastava, 2018): Step 1: Setting up a framework for the evaluation of contextual factors. Step 2: Creating a fuzzy-AHP questionnaire for evaluating contextual factors on investment decision-making: the criteria and sub-criteria are compared using triangular fuzzy numbers (Table 1) by the judgement maker. Step 3: Creating a normal and fuzzy pairwise reciprocal matrix. …”

“…The following fuzzy-AHP steps have been used for calculating weights to evaluate the model are given below (Zaim et al, 2012;Garg et al, 2021;Jakhar and Srivastava, 2018):…”

Barriers to Minimisation of agri-products wastage through Optimizing logistics in India: An ISM modelling approach

“…Inadequate cold chain storage Horticulture and fresh vegetables need temperature-controlled storage infrastructure primarily at farm level and then at other stations to avoid any spoilage in quality that makes such produce get wasted. [ [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] ] 2. Lack of rail/road connectivity There is lack of proper and adequate connectivity between farm area and market which leads to the issue of market accessibility for farmers thus they fail to sell their agri-produce in time leads to wastage.…”

“…Lack of rail/road connectivity There is lack of proper and adequate connectivity between farm area and market which leads to the issue of market accessibility for farmers thus they fail to sell their agri-produce in time leads to wastage. [ 2 , 4 , 6 , 7 ] 3. Lack of skilled manpower at farm level The population engaged in farm activities in rural area are unskilled as they don't have or have minimal formal training or technical knowledge which leads to proper handling issues of food grains resulting in wastage.…”

“…Lack of skilled manpower at farm level The population engaged in farm activities in rural area are unskilled as they don't have or have minimal formal training or technical knowledge which leads to proper handling issues of food grains resulting in wastage. [ [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] ] 4. Lack of trained personnel at different stage of logistics There are huge number of unorganised logistic operators who are untrained and lack in professional skills therefore they fail to handle their responsibility at best to optimize the logistics operation.…”