Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Seeds Market In Ranchi
Keywords:
Seed supply chain, Mobility Restrictions, Digital Transformation, Seed procurement, Innovative Solutions in CrisesAbstract
The study aims to investigate how the COVID-19 epidemic has impacted the seed supply chain. Lockdowns and stringent mobility restrictions caused significant disruptions in every industry. The length and nature of the disruptions to the seed supply chain are carefully assessed in this study. It was discovered through thorough data collection and analysis that the pandemic-related restrictions led to significant delays and even outright halts in several seed distribution zones. Due to timing errors in seed sowing, this not only had an impact on the current crop cycles but also threatened future yields. The report additionally explains the unique difficulties in seed transfer within Ranchi, India. A bottleneck in the adequate transportation of seeds from producers to consumers was caused by factors such as the non-availability of labour due to reverse migration, the difficulty of interstate travel, and the diminished operational capabilities of transportation providers. Unexpectedly, the research also reveals a benefit of these disruptions. The physical world's constraints hastened the transition to digital technologies. The usage of digital platforms for seed procurement increased significantly after the pandemic.
Traditional farmers and dealers, who had previously relied on physical markets, now actively participate in online seed purchasing, which has led to a significant digital transformation in the agriculture sector. This adjustment eliminated specific short-term supply chain issues and raised the possibility that seed procurement procedures in India may change over time. In addition to seriously disrupting India's seed supply chain, the COVID-19 epidemic hastened the adoption of digital technology, demonstrating that crises can stimulate the development of innovative ideas.