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

Agricultural supply chain management (ASCM) encompasses the end-to-end flow of inputs, production, post-harvest handling, processing, storage, transportation, and retail of farm commodities.

Scope of ASCM It spans backward linkages including input logistics (certified seeds, fertilizers) and farm operations, to midstream post-harvest cold chains, WDRA-regulated warehousing, and food processing via Mega Food Parks. Forward linkages encompass seamless market integration through APMC reforms and e-NAM.

Significance For farmers, efficient ASCM curtails post-harvest losses (up to about 15% for fruits and vegetables, per NABCONS 2022), bypasses multi-layered intermediation, and ensures remunerative price realization. For the economy, it stabilizes food security buffers, creates non-farm rural employment, and bolsters export competitiveness (agricultural exports were about $50 billion in 2024–25) by connecting domestic produce with global value chains.

Addressing structural hurdles—such as fragmented landholdings, scarce cold storage, and high logistics costs (estimated by NCAER at 7.8–8.9% of GDP, and higher for perishable agri-logistics)—via Operation Greens, Kisan Rail, and PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is critical to doubling farmers' income and achieving SDG-2 (Zero Hunger).