Supply Chain Reconfiguration as an Option to Mitigate Post Harvest Losses and GHGs: Simulating a Case Study from Banana Supply Chain in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Zero hunger is one of the top three goals of Sustainable Development Goals which is achievable by reducing the postharvest losses of the food supply chain and improving food security. In developing countries approximately 40% of fruit harvest goes to waste due to not having proper mechanisms, coordination and best practices and poor post-harvest management. A pilot study has found post-harvest losses of fresh fruits and vegetables occur in 2.29%, 1.57%, 6.22% and 7.89% at farmer, collection center, wholesaler and retailer respectively, emphasizing the need of a reconfiguration. Following good practices in handling, introducing suitable bulk packing methods, vehicle upgrades and development of different supply chain configurations are some approaches in mitigating post-harvest losses. Therefore, it is timely to change the product flow of supply chain by reconfiguration. The existing configuration of fruit and vegetable supply chain is simulated as an agent based simulation model taking banana supply chain as a case study. Short supply chain branches were introduced as suggestions to avoid the congestion and banana getting exposed to mechanical damages. The reconfigured supply chain emitted 10% less GHG than the existing banana supply chain while achieving the efficiency in distribution flow.