Blockchain drivers to achieve sustainable food security in the Indian context

Vinay Surendra Yadav,A R Singh,Rakesh D Raut,Naoufel Cheikhrouhou

doi:10.1007/s10479-021-04308-5

Abstract

Blockchain has the potential to improve sustainable food security due to its unique features like traceability, decentralized and immutable database, and smart contract mechanisms. However, blockchain technology is still in the early stages of adoption in particular in agricultural applications. In this context, this article aims to identify blockchain drivers to achieve sustainable food security in the Indian context and model them using an integrated MCDM (Multiple Criteria Decision Making) approach. The blockchain adoption drivers are identified through an exhaustive literature review and opinions from domain experts from industry, academia, and Agriculture Supply Chain (ASC) stakeholders. Subsequently, the integrated MCDM approach is developed by combining Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) and Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), which does not only investigate the interrelation between the identified constructs and builds hierarchy but also determines the intensity of the causal interrelationships. At a later stage, Fuzzy Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) is used to cluster the identified drivers to evaluate the importance of each driver. The results reveal that Traceability, Real-time information availability to agro-stakeholder, and Decentralized and immutable database are the most significant drivers. Policymakers, governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders may utilize the information about the interrelationship between these drivers and their influential power, to frame suitable strategies for enhancing the adoption rate of blockchain in the Indian ASC.

Highlights

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 1996),“a sustainable food system supports food security, makes optimal use of natural and human resources, is culturally acceptable and accessible, environmentally sound and economically fair and viable, and provides the consumer with nutritionally adequate, safe, healthy and affordable food for present and future generations.” Such a sustainable food supply chain could be achieved through tracking agricultural practices and efficient food distribution networks, enabling and ensuring sustainable food security
Wherever there exist any contextual relationship between two constructs, equal weight is assigned in the Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) model, which may not represent the real picture of the actual scenario and may result in the poor interpretation of the model
Level two of hierarchy is comprised of Governance platform (BD14), Privacy (BD11), Secured and efficient transaction (BD8) and Trust in agri-business (BD3). These results are compliant with Kamble et al (2020) where a similar level of influential power is assigned to these constructs

Summary

Introduction

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 1996),“a sustainable food system supports food security, makes optimal use of natural and human resources, is culturally acceptable and accessible, environmentally sound and economically fair and viable, and provides the consumer with nutritionally adequate, safe, healthy and affordable food for present and future generations.” Such a sustainable food supply chain could be achieved through tracking agricultural practices and efficient food distribution networks, enabling and ensuring sustainable food security. “a sustainable food system supports food security, makes optimal use of natural and human resources, is culturally acceptable and accessible, environmentally sound and economically fair and viable, and provides the consumer with nutritionally adequate, safe, healthy and affordable food for present and future generations.”. Such a sustainable food supply chain could be achieved through tracking agricultural practices and efficient food distribution networks, enabling and ensuring sustainable food security. The PDS’s responsibility is to ensure the distribution of essential food items to millions of people living below the poverty line (George, 1999). India’s Government has established a considerable network in the form of a “Public Distribution System (PDS).” The PDS’s responsibility is to ensure the distribution of essential food items to millions of people living below the poverty line (George, 1999).

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Conclusion