A reliable supply chain network design for perishable crops with disruption risk consideration (case study: tomato supply chain)

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to design a perishable crops supply chain network. Furthermore, the disruption risk in the production sector and the protection strategy are considered to increase the reliability of the network. The goal of the proposed model is to maximize the total profit of the supply chain while considering the time to send the products to the consumers.Methodology: In this research, a mixed-integer non-linear programming model is proposed to optimize crops supply chain network design. Moreover, a real case study has been implemented in Iran to prove the applicability of the addressed model.Findings: The results and sensitivity analysis of the mathematical model indicate that by planning the planting and harvesting While optimizing the chain's profit, it is possible to respond well to society's product demand. Moreover, considering the disruptions and protection of products brings us closer to real-world conditions and reduces the amount of waste and related adverse environmental effects.Originality/Value: Agriculture is one of the most important and influential sectors in the economy of any country, it plays a vital role in its political and economic independence. The growing global demand to provide food for the human population has caused a significant increase in cultivation. However, the amount and time of production should be consistent with the amount of product demand and avoid a shortage or excess of products. Considering that there is currently no comprehensive planning for the production of perishable crops in the country, the necessity of studying supply chain models in the agricultural sector and specifically the production and distribution of perishable crops is created. In this connection, the design of the supply chain network of the mentioned products from planting to distribution is presented in this study.