Importance of Proper Supply Chain of Agriculture Commodities from Northeast


A proper supply chain for agricultural commodities from Northeast India is crucial for unlocking the region’s immense economic potential, supporting farmer livelihoods, reducing post-harvest losses, and integrating the region with national and global markets.

Challenges in the Northeast's Supply Chain

The Northeastern region faces unique terrain-related and infrastructural hurdles, including rugged landscapes, fragmented farms, manual operations, limited market access, and poor storage and processing facilities. The lack of proper transport and cold chain networks results in high spoilage rates—forcing farmers to sell immediately after harvest, often at low prices, and restricting their reach in markets beyond the region. In addition, limited access to timely market information and digital platforms hampers farmers' bargaining power and fair price realization.

  • Small landholdings dominate, leading to predominantly manual and low-productivity farming.
  • Limited access to modern machinery restricts efficient cultivation and harvesting.
  • Rugged terrain and fragmented farms make infrastructure development difficult.
  • Transport bottlenecks and lack of cold storage result in heavy post-harvest losses.
  • Insufficient local packaging supplies and high costs drive up market expenses.
  • Poor market access leads to forced immediate sales and low farmer incomes.
  • Inconsistent and unreliable laboratory testing and certification at ports hinder exports.

Economic Impact and Opportunities

Approximately 70% of the Northeast population is dependent on agriculture, making improvements in the supply chain directly linked to poverty alleviation, rural development, and food security. Efficient supply chains allow for better integration into lucrative value chains, increased access to high-value domestic and international markets, and enhanced income through value addition and branding of unique GI-tagged crops such as Queen pineapple and Khasi mandarin. Furthermore, connecting producers to processing units, cold storage, and direct buyers reduces wastage and increases profitability.

  • Nearly 70% of the Northeast’s population relies on agriculture for livelihood and sustenance.
  • Proper supply chains amplify farm incomes through better market connectivity and value addition.
  • Integration with external buyers supports GDP growth and broadens export potential for specialty crops.
  • Cold storage and agro-processing units reduce perishability and increase profitability.
  • Unique GI-tagged produce like pineapple, oranges, and ginger attract premium prices if supply chains are efficient.
  • Coordinated policies and technical support can create new agri-business opportunities for local youth.

Role in Export and National Integration

With growing interest in organic and specialty crops from the Northeast, a robust supply chain ensures that products meet export quality standards and reach national and international markets timely. The development of logistics corridors, upgrading rural periodic markets, and streamlining digital and physical market linkages are crucial for elevating the region’s role in India’s broader agri-export strategy.

  • Improved supply chains help meet national and export-quality standards, unlocking global markets.
  • Value chain development supports branding and market positioning for Northeast crops.
  • Infrastructure upgrades, such as logistics corridors and direct digital linkages, ensure timely delivery and fair pricing.
  • Greater export participation boosts regional employment and diversifies the rural economy.

Critical Interventions for Sustainable Growth

For sustainable advancement, the approach must include:

  • Developing context-specific infrastructure for storage, transportation, and processing.
  • Promoting entrepreneurship and farmer collectives to organize aggregation and marketing.
  • Adopting digital tools for real-time market and supply chain information flow.
  • Implementing policy support for cold chain networks, branding, and export facilitation.
  • Building technical capacity among farmers and stakeholders for best post-harvest practices.

A strong, holistic, and regionally adapted supply chain is essential for Northeast India’s agriculture to thrive and contribute to broader economic growth, food security, and global trade integration. Bridging the gap between farm and market can transform the region into a hub for high-value, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural development.


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