Role of information and communication technology in mitigating risks in Indian agricultural supply chains

Abstract

Purpose Theorising from a resource-based view perspective, the intersection of supply chain management and the use of information technology (IT) has been investigated in this study. This paper aims to investigate supply chain performance (SCP) as an essential outcome of the use of IT and explores the effect of supply chain collaboration (SCC) on SCP. In addition, volume uncertainty (VU) has been explored and tested to establish whether various associated uncertainties can be mitigated when the use of IT is involved. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 121 senior executives from agri-tech firms was collected by travelling and meeting the executives in person in various states of India. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesized relationship of VU to SCP via the use of IT and SCC. Findings The results show that VU significantly impacts SCC via the use of IT and SCP via SCC. The use of IT positively and significantly impacts SCP via SCC. Practical implications Witnessing the potential benefits of the emerging use of IT in the uncertainty reduction as reported in this study, agri-tech firms operating in emerging rural and agricultural economies can enhance SCC to improve SCP. Social implications This study unfolds how risks in agricultural supply chains (ASCs) sourced because the VU can be mitigated through the use of IT and SCC to influence SCP in rural agricultural and developing economies. Originality/value VU at agri-tech firms and farmers is a ground reality that has led to an inability to plan and prepare, resulting in wastages and disruptions in ASCs and farmers’ struggles.