Article Details
  • Published Online:
    March  2025
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of Supply Chain Management
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJSCM040325
  • DOI:
    10.71329/IUPJSCM/2025.22.1.64-81
  • Author Name:
    Vikas Kumar , Kulbhushan Chandel , Siddharth Chandel and Vijayta
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Management
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    64-81
Volume 22, Issue 1, March 2025
Economic and Logistical Constraints in Horticultural Supply Chains of Himachal Pradesh: A Qualitative Analysis
Abstract

Himachal Pradesh, known for its diversified horticultural produce, confronts supply chain difficulties that hinder efficiency and profitability. This paper seeks to identify, analyze, and advise stakeholders on these barriers. Government reports, academic journals, and industry publications, notably the World Bank’s Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project and the Draft Policy 2022, provided the data. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review and qualitative analysis of existing data to identify critical economic and logistical challenges. The findings indicate that economic barriers, such as limited access to credit, high input costs, and inadequate market linkages, significantly affect the horticultural sector. Logistical challenges, including insufficient cold storage facilities, poor transportation infrastructure, and fragmented supply chains, further exacerbate these issues. These barriers lead to post-harvest losses and reduced profitability for farmers. The study underscores the need for policy interventions to improve infrastructure, facilitate access to financial resources, and enhance market connectivity. Addressing these barriers is crucial for the sustainable development of Himachal Pradesh’s horticultural sector and for enhanced livelihoods of local farmers

Introduction

In northern India, Himachal Pradesh is known for its various agro-climatic conditions that support many horticultural crops. The state’s topography, characterized by its mountainous terrain and varying altitudes, provides an ideal environment for the production of fruits such as apples, pears, plums, and cherries, as well as vegetables and floricultural products (HPSHIVA, 2024). Horticulture has become a cornerstone of