Blockchain Technology: Driving a new age innovation in the agri-food supply chain systems

Abstract

Blockchain Technology (BT) is increasingly influencing agricultural value chains by introducing decentralised, transparent, and tamper-proof system that addresses persistent supply chain inefficiencies. The paper explores the role of BT integration within Indian agri-food supply chain systems through agri-tech startups and analyses how technology-driven entrepreneurship reshapes agricultural value chains. The paper explores the feasibility of blockchain applications such as Hyperledger with smart contracts, digital compliance systems, and collaborative models between startups and traditional agribusinesses. The discussion further examines regulatory constraints, region-specific barriers, infrastructural limitations, funding barriers, and adoption challenges that influence scalability. This research paper proposes a conceptual framework that illustrates how blockchain-enabled core components interact with contextual realities in the Indian agro-ecosystem to generate transparency, operational efficiency, inclusive growth, and sustainability outcomes. The novelty of this study lies in contributing empirical evidence on blockchain awareness and adoption among agritech startups in Assam by providing a roadmap for future adoption to improve transparency, traceability and trust in agricultural value chains.