A Study on Supply Chain Challenges and Solutions for Smallholders in Bangladesh's Agriculture

This study investigates the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Bangladesh’s agricultural supply chain, focusing on middleman dependency, inadequate infrastructure, limited market access, and insufficient storage facilities. The research utilizes qualitative methods, combining secondary data from reputable sources and primary data from interviews with farmers in the Rajshahi region. Findings reveal that over 85% of smallholders depend on intermediaries, transportation costs consume 15-20% of earnings, and inadequate storage leads to 15-20% losses for perishable goods. To address these challenges, the study explores the potential of cooperatives, regional marketplaces, and mobile market vans to reduce reliance on intermediaries. Technology integration, including digital platforms for real-time market data, blockchain for transparency, and IoT for monitoring storage and transport, emerges as transformative solutions. These interventions, complemented by investments in rural infrastructure and institutional support, can enhance supply chain efficiency, improve farmer incomes, and promote sustainable agricultural development. The paper concludes that adaptive strategies and continued investment are vital to creating an equitable and efficient agricultural system in Bangladesh.