Blockchain-Enabled Supply Chain platform for Indian Dairy Industry: Safety and Traceability

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Computer Science
• Supply Chain Management

Background:

• Conventional food supply chains face issues like single points of failure, product irregularities, and data loss.
• Widespread food fraud, contamination, and adulteration in India necessitate a decentralized supply chain model.
• Protecting children from contaminated dairy products is crucial given India's demographic dividend.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a blockchain-enabled supply chain platform for the Indian dairy industry.
• To enhance the traceability, quality, and safety of dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter.
• To address challenges including adulteration, contamination, economic viability, and counterfeit products.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a decentralized supply chain platform utilizing blockchain technology.
• Integration of smart contracts, Quick Response (QR) code technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Focus on four impact dimensions: social, economic, operational, and sustainability.

Main Results:

• The platform offers enhanced food traceability beyond traditional methods.
• It aids in maintaining nutritional values and identifying adulteration/contamination.
• Potential for increased economic viability for dairy farms and enhanced company revenue.

Conclusions:

• Blockchain technology can transform traditional dairy supply chains into decentralized, robust, transparent, and tamper-proof systems.
• The proposed platform has the potential to redefine dairy supply chains on socio-economic, operational, and sustainability parameters.
• This innovation is vital for ensuring the safety and quality of dairy products for a large population.