Prawin Kumar Arohi, Dy.General Manager, DS Group,highlights challenges and solutions for blockchain implementation in the fresh food supply chain, emphasizing its transformative potential.
Embracing blockchain technology is not merely an option but a necessity for the future
In the intricate web of modern food supply chains, transparency and traceability are critical for upholding food safety standards and ensuring quality. Prawin Kumar Arohi, Dy. General Manager at DS Group, illuminates the formidable challenges obstructing this transparency. Arohi identifies key issues such as unreliable data collection, poor data quality, and sluggish adoption of cutting-edge technology as significant roadblocks.
However, blockchain technology emerges as a beacon of hope to surmount these challenges. Through blockchain implementation, fresh food supply chains stand to gain enhanced visibility, scalability, and interoperability. Arohi underscores the pivotal role of a “permissioned blockchain,” which allows for the recording of transactions on a shared and immutable ledger. This not only guarantees the capture and validation of data but also facilitates seamless data exchange among interconnected entities.
Furthermore, blockchain extends its benefits beyond mere transparency and traceability. It empowers predictive risk analysis, bolsters visibility for critical product components, and augments data accuracy and trust among stakeholders. By seamlessly integrating with emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), smart contracts, and artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain fortifies the security and efficiency of the supply chain.
Challenges and solutions
The main roadblocks to wider blockchain adoption in food traceability include high costs, distrust of AI, and scalability limitations. However, implementing blockchain can be made more cost-effective and efficient through long-term strategic planning. Integrating AI and IoT solutions can significantly reduce costs and enhance productivity without compromising quality or safety. By leveraging advanced technologies, such as AI scanning systems, companies can streamline processes, reduce manpower, and gain valuable insights to optimize operations. This proactive approach enables businesses to identify cost-saving opportunities early on and maintain productivity levels. Therefore, embracing blockchain alongside AI and IoT innovations can unlock substantial benefits for all stakeholders in the food supply chain, overcoming barriers and driving progress towards greater transparency and efficiency.
Future impact
In the foreseeable future, blockchain will revolutionize the fresh food supply chain by enabling real-time monitoring and traceability, thus enhancing food safety. Failure to adopt AI and IoT technologies alongside blockchain may pose significant challenges in terms of cost-effectiveness, quality assurance, and timely delivery, impacting businesses’ competitiveness in the market. Given the paramount importance of food safety as a public health concern, blockchain emerges as a promising solution to record product origins and flow and combat food fraud effectively. Embracing blockchain technology is not merely an option but a necessity for the future of the food industry.
