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Issues and Challenges in the Supply Chain of Fruits & Vegetables Sector in Chhattisgarh, India

Ritika Agrawal
Amity University, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

The fruits and vegetables (F&V) sector is a rapidly growing and high-value segment of Chhattisgarh’s agrarian economy. This paper examines the critical supply chain issues hindering this sector’s development in the state. Using a descriptive research design, the study combines an extensive literature survey with a structured questionnaire of supply-chain stakeholders. The analysis reveals that Chhattisgarh’s F&V supply chain suffers from multiple bottlenecks: inadequate cold chain and storage facilities, a highly fragmented distribution network, poor transportation and mandi (market) infrastructure, and weak linkages among farmers, traders, and markets. Other constraints include high packaging costs, outdated farming practices, lack of value-added processing, and limited market information flow. Survey findings support these observations: for example, 46.3% of respondents reported maintaining fixed inventory levels year-round (rather than adapting to seasons), and 45% identified consumer discarding of imperfect produce as the leading cause of supply-chain waste. The resulting inefficiencies cause severe post-harvest losses, low farmgate prices, and high prices for  light of these findings, the paper recommends targeted interventions such as expanding cold-storage infrastructure, investing in rural roads and market yards, and fostering farmer cooperatives and private-sector cold-chain investment. Addressing these challenges could significantly reduce wastage, increase farmers’ income, and support Chhattisgarh’s agricultural growth.