Need for digital communication channels to manage food supply chain efficiently

Agricultural productivity is one of the key drivers of Bangladesh's economy, accounting for around 14 percent of the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and providing livelihood to 41 percent of the labor force.

Despite being an agrarian society, Bangladesh is heavily dependent on the RMG sector and remittance and is witnessing a gradual surge in importing essential food staples.

Many factors should be considered when making a proper strategy to ensure an efficient food supply network, and one could be establishing a strong communication channel. So, how does the food supply chain suffer from a lack of a proper communication channel?

The food supply chain in Bangladesh is a complex network of rural farmers, fishermen, intermediaries, and urban retailers working together to bring fresh produce and fish from the countryside to city markets. Despite their interdependence, communication among them is pretty weak, often leading to inefficiencies, loss of profits, and food wastage.

In this case, a powerful communication channel can change the dynamic and ensure that proper information is shared at the right time so that it can benefit the entire food supply chain management. Besides, strong communication among the stakeholders is critical to ensure transparency, efficiency, and decrease vulnerabilities. A robust communication channel can also enable farmers, fishermen, middlemen, and retailers to conveniently respond to market demand, logistical challenges, and weather conditions.

Digital communication channels, like instant messaging platforms such as imo, with accessible communication and high-definition video calls, have the potential to streamline the food supply chain by fostering real-time interactions and market visibility. As farmers and fishermen handle perishable produce; thus, accurate and timely updates are critical for them, especially regarding transportation, market prices, and market demands. For example, if a farmer is timely informed about a particular crop to be on demand, then they can adjust the prices accordingly or supply the specific produce. Thus, with the help of instant messaging platforms, farmers and fishermen can easily and visually connect with middlemen/retailers which will improve the communication efficiency throughout the entire supply chain.

There are several companies that have already taken initiatives to introduce modern technology to provide farmers with real-time updates about market prices, weather forecasts, and crop management advice. Such initiatives are already positively impacting the food supply chain management system. According to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization, farmers have already increased their crop yields by 10 to 15 percent by using mobile applications. These apps have been helping them to avert numerous problems that they previously have tackled.

Similarly, by leveraging instant messaging platforms can ensure timely communication among farmers, fishermen, middlemen, and retailers, and avert multiple problems throughout the supply chain. With instant messaging applications, farmers and fishermen can conveniently talk with middlemen and retailers through high-definition video and show them fresh produce, something that they couldn’t do with traditional audio calls. Sharing high-definition videos and images ensures transparency and develops more confidence among buyers and sellers. The cost of communication also decreases with digital communication channels, especially for countryside farmers, fishermen and all producers.

The efficiency of the food supply chain in Bangladesh can make or break a business; hence, it’s crucial to have a strong communication channel. As rural producers and city retailers are deeply interconnected in the supply chain, real-time and transparent communication among the stakeholders can decrease delays, reduce food wastage, and increase profitability. Digital communication here can play an essential part in strengthening communication among the stakeholders and increasing efficiency throughout the food supply chain management system.


The writer is a communication professional.