Organized retail and Private label penetration, demand for functional food, and increased spend on health food are major drivers for the growth of this sector .

Some of the problems that are to be mentioned in fruit & vegetable supply chain are the presence of numerous stake holders which are working in isolation and the infrastructure connecting these partners is very weak.

Here is below eight major Issues in supply chain of Fruits and Vegetables:

1. ColdChainManagement issues

There are various issues related to cold chain, such as lack of cold chain facilities, inadequate capacity of cold chain, lack of cold chain network. Due to this concern it becomes difficult for the farmers and businessman to do their business effectively and get proper remuneration for their produce.

2. Infrastructure issues

Supply chain infrastructure plays an important role in the F&V sector. Proper and adequate infrastructure helps farmers and agri businessman to run their business successfully and helps to deliver the goods in the right time with right condition. Infrastructure in the main impediment in the supply chain of agricultural products which leads to high amount of losses.

3. Packaging issues

Packaging is very important for F&V as they are highly perishable goods and it needs proper packaging for the handling of these fresh produce. Without proper packaging it is very difficult to maintain their shelf life. Cost is very important factor for this issue. High cost of packaging material makes difficult for the farmers to do proper packaging of their goods.

4.Technological issues

The technology is surrounded by many technical issues, such as advancement issues, inefficient technology, obsolete techniques, and old machineries. Due to these concerns it becomes difficult for the farmers and agri businessman to use an appropriate technologies and techniques to reduce the post-harvest losses and time in operational activities.

5. Farmer’s Knowledge and Awareness

Farmers should have proper knowledge regarding the use of latest technologies, techniques etc. to work effective and efficient. Some times, They have less knowledge regarding the management of post-harvest produce, quality of seed etc. Without proper knowledge and awareness level of the farmer the supply chain of F&V cannot be efficient, because farmers are the main source of the fresh agri produce.

6. Quality issues

Quality is a very important factor in food industry/sector, because it directly relates to the health of the people. It is very important for supply chain to deliver the fresh goods in a timely manner and in a proper quality to the customer. Proper supply chain helps to maintains the shelf life of produce and prevent from deteriorating the quality. Quality has a strong impact on the supply chain, so it leads to efficiency and less rejection by the customer.

7.Transportation issues

Transportation plays a very important role in the supply chain. Without proper transportation the goods can’t be delivered to the customer in a right time and in a right quality. It plays even a more important role in Perishable food like Fruits and Vegetables because of short shelf life, high perishable, required controlled temperature.