TITLE:
Integrated Agri-Food Supply Chain Model: An Application of IoT and Blockchain
AUTHORS:
Ikram Hasan, Md. Mamun Habib, Zulkifflee Mohamed, Veena Tewari
KEYWORDS:
Agri-Food Supply Chains (ASC), Blockchain, IoT, Hyperledger Sawtooth, Non-Cryptocurrency-Based ASC
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Industrial and Business Management,
Vol.13 No.2,
February
28,
2023
ABSTRACT: In agri-food supply chains (ASC), consumers purchase
agri-food goods from farmers. During this process, customers emphasize the need for agri-food safety, while producers hope
to enhance their revenues. Due to the dynamism and complexity of the
Bangladesh ASC, the traceability and control of agri-food goods encounter
formidable obstacles. Due to their reliance on intermediaries, legal financial
hurdles, Ethereum-based financial solutions, etc., however, most existing
solutions cannot adequately meet the traceability and management needs of
Bangladesh ASC. To solve these issues, the authors proposed an integrated
Agri-food supply chain (IASC) model. In this study, a systematic review of the
literature was conducted using a thematic analysis method. In a portion of the
model, the authors depicted a linear physical flow to illustrate the
relationship and function of intermediaries and to explain Bangladesh ASC’s
dependence on intermediaries. The approach incorporates Blockchain technology
and IoT to promote transparency, minimize mistake, prevent product delays,
remove unethical and illegal actions, improve supply chain (SC) management,
track the whereabouts of the goods, and eventually increase consumer and
supplier trust. The article also mentions that crypto currency-based financial
transactions between stakeholders in the supply chain are now unlawful in
Bangladesh. For blockchain API, a mobile banking and digital payment-based
solution has been proposed. Finally, the blockchain-based Hyperledger Sawtooth
API has been suggested so that clients can trace the entire history of a
product by scanning the QR code on the packaging. Since Bangladesh’s economy is
primarily based on agriculture, this research can assist in boosting
Bangladesh’s economy. The paper would also contribute to the reduction of
corruption and the improvement of firmer/grower and consumer satisfaction. The
findings also pave the way for future studies to implement blockchain
technology in ASC without relying on Ethereum-based financial flow solutions.