Food Security in India: A Case for Supply Chain Coordination 

Abstract:

In this article, we present an innovative food security supply chain design for urban poor citizens in India to provide them with nutritious food at affordable prices at accessible locations. This design involves building a smart business social network consisting of Distribution centers, Kitchens, Hawkers, Primary Schools (with midday meal programs) and other outlets that serve food to the needy. Certified freshly cooked nutritious food is supplied through retailers such as hawkers from kitchens. Our aim is to include the existing food providers such as NGOs in midday meal programs,small restaurants and hawkers selling food in urban areas as stake holders in the smart food security network. Using cloud computing, a control room monitors the flow of materials and food through the supply chain end to end and also manages the financial supply chain. The business processes in this supply chain replace the existing inefficient public distribution system

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CAN INDIA BE THE FOOD BASKET FOR THE WORLD?

N.VISWANADHAM
Indian Institute of Science

Bangalore- 560012,

India.

n.viswanadham@gmail.com

Abstract

India can become the food supplier of the world. It has the cultivable land, all the seasons for production of all varieties of fruits and vegetables, an agribusiness system that works although it needs to be vastly improved. The single most important problem facing the Indian agricultural industry is the highly inefficient supply chain. Because of lack of cold chain infrastructure and also a food processing industry about 20 per cent of all foods produced in India (Rs. 500 b) are wasted. By building an efficient and effective supply chain using state of the art techniques it is possible to serve the population with value added food while simultaneously ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers. The surplus of cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk, fish, meat and poultry can be processed as value added food products and marketed aggressively both locally and internationally. Investments in cold chain infrastructure, applied research in post harvest technologies, installation of food processing plants in various sectors and development of food retailing sector are mandatory for achieving gains in this sector. Strategic growth plans for achieving both national and international competitiveness of the food industry are essential.

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