Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chain Management in the Chittagong Hill Tracts: A Roadmap Towards Development

Abstract

The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh have demonstrated strong agricultural potential through diversifying crops, however difficulties impede the region's agricultural supply chain growth. This study presents a long-term framework for CHT agricultural expansion that is sustainable. The study begins by outlining the historical constraints of the CHT's agricultural economy, which was characterized by subsistence farming and intermediaries’ domination. Recent infrastructural upgrades, such as new roads, have created new prospects for growing profitable crops such as fruits and spices. However, transportation continues to be a major barrier, hindering effective supply chain management and market access.

To maximize the potential of the agriculture business in the CHT, a sustainable supply chain management structure based on sustainability, efficiency, and traceability principles is recommended. Manufacturing, storage, transportation, packaging, marketing, and information sharing are among the sectors identified as needing improvement in the research. The study incorporates quantitative and qualitative data gathered from 50 farmers via questionnaires and interviews. Low agricultural yields, post-harvest losses, insufficient storage facilities, expensive transportation, crop damage during transit and storage, restricted market prospects, and poor information exchange are all highlighted.

The suggested roadmap tackles these issues by encouraging better farming practices, improved storage facilities, efficient transportation networks, suitable packaging, expanded marketing options, and improved information flow. Implementing this approach would result in a more efficient, profitable, and environmentally sustainable agricultural supply chain in the CHT, which would benefit farmers, consumers, and the area as a whole. Collaboration among the local community, government, and commercial sector will be critical for the region's effective implementation and overall growth.