Monitoring Environmental Performance of Agricultural Supply Chains Using Internet of Things

Introduction

Agribusiness holds a vital position in the global economy, furnishing sustenance and essential materials to the growing population (FAO, 2018). As a result, the agri-food sector remains pivotal on a global scale (Tripathi et al., 2019). Nevertheless, establishing sustainable and ecologically conscientious practices within agricultural supply chains presents notable hurdles.

Production, processing, distribution, and consumption are all parts of the agricultural supply chain. The ecosystem and human welfare are greatly impacted by environmental elements throughout this intricate network, including water use, energy use, waste creation, and chemical inputs (FAO, 2018). Despite its importance, most cultivation tactics continue to be based only on outdated practices, which frequently lack suitable tools for monitoring and measuring these variables, causing inefficiency and environmental damage.

The global population is anticipated to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. To decrease waste and boost agricultural production output, it is crucial to develop a sustainable strategy (Tripathi et al., 2019). Consumer awareness and concern regarding the ecological footprint of items people consume, especially food, have markedly increased (Rana et al., 2022). This increased awareness has been stoked by easier access to information, more media attention given to environmental issues, and mounting climate change concerns (Fareq & Fareq, 2023). They demand information on the sustainability of agricultural practices, the use of chemicals and pesticides, carbon emissions, water usage, and waste management throughout the supply chain (FAO, 2018).

As a result, this consumer enlightenment and demand for environmentally friendly products and food have prompted businesses to integrate sustainable practices into their supply chains proactively along with the global initiatives driven by governments and international organizations. Hence, international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, emphasize the significance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development (United Nations, 2021). Acknowledged as the breakthrough of the era, it is worth mentioning that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) empowers farmers by providing essential information and recommendations to enhance their overall productivity (Narwane et al., 2022). This recent development has the potential to promote sustainability through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (Farooq et al., 2020) and decreased water consumption (Zhang et al., 2015). Additionally, it can enhance the efficiency of the agricultural system, thereby aiding in meeting the increasing need for food (Narwane et al., 2022).

Evaluating the environmental performance of agricultural supply chains is essential for tackling the associated challenges. The adoption of modern technologies like the Internet of Things for data collection holds the promise of revolutionizing monitoring, and offering real-time, comprehensive data for precise implementation of strategies to reduce environmental impact. However, achieving extensive adoption of these technologies also involves addressing numerous challenges.

The Internet of Things, often abbreviated as IoT, is a revolutionary concept that links everyday objects, devices, and systems through the internet, enabling them to collect and exchange data independently. This technology spans from personal gadgets to industrial machinery and agricultural sensors, enhancing automation and connectivity across various sectors. IoT devices, embedded with sensors and communication tools, empower them to make smart decisions and communicate with other devices. This transformation impacts industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.