Examining Select Issues in Indian Agriculture Supply Chain amidst COVID-19 Disruption: SAP-LAP Approach

Nishtha Agarwal; Nitin Seth; Ashish Agarwal

Nishtha Agarwal Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi 110 016 (India)
Nitin Seth Centre for Trade Facilitation and Logistics, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi 110 016 (India)
Ashish Agarwal School of Engineering & Technology, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi-110068 (India)

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims at critically analysing the supply chain of Indian agriculture
sector to understand the problems and solutions required amidst the disruption caused
by the spread of Coronavirus pandemic. Strategic actions have been recommended for
developing a resilient agriculture supply chain.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Firstly, through literature review the Indian agriculture
supply chain landscape is first understood. Next, through SAP-LAP (Situation-ActorProcesses, Learning-Actions-Performance) approach, an attempt has been made to
examine the present situation of Indian agriculture supply chain amidst the spread of
the pandemic and effect of government decisions for farmers. Each of the aspects have
been studied in the context of supply side, demand side and logistics side to obtain a
comprehensive view.
Findings: The analysis of SAP-LAP factors for Indian agriculture sector supply chain
points towards interesting findings. First and foremost, the SAP or Situation-ActorProcesses aspect points towards the lack of flexibility amongst actors for a resilient
agriculture supply chain which got worsened by the lockdown measures. Next, the LAP
or learning-actions-performance aspect suggests the ways in which flexibility can be
built at the supply, demand and logistics end through various resilient practices such as
collaboration, coordination, ICT, ground level inputs etc.
Originality/Value: The present study is an attempt towards understanding the
consequences of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic on the supply chain of Indian
agriculture sector. Through SAP-LAP framework a relatively transparent view of
the Indian agriculture supply chain system is obtained for theoretical and managerial
problem solving. The study, hence, adds to the pool of knowledge about agrarian supply
chains along with risk and resilience measures to ensure continuity at the desired level of
connectedness and control over structure and functions.
Paper Type: Case Based Study