Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

Agricultural supply-chain management coordinates production, aggregation, storage, transport, processing and retail from farm to consumer.

Scope

• Demand-based production, grading, standardisation, warehousing and cold-chain logistics.
• Digital marketplaces, traceability, quality testing, processing, packaging and export integration.
• Coordination among farmers, FPOs, traders, processors, retailers, banks and regulators.

Significance

• Reduces post-harvest losses and seasonal price distress.
• Raises farmer share in consumer rupee through value addition and direct linkages.
• Improves food safety, availability, export quality and nutrition.
• Creates rural non-farm employment and supports diversification.

Keywords: farm-to-fork, cold chain, aggregation, value addition, traceability, FPO.