A digital ecosystem for sustainable fruit supply chain in Uttarakhand: a comprehensive review

The horticulture industry has gained significant attention at the National and International levels due to its vital role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and increasing farmers' income. Despite this, the sector faces challenges like climate change, disruptions, and insufficient supply chain infrastructure, posing risks to sustainable horticultural production. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gaps related to technology usage in sustainable horticulture, particularly among smallholder farmers in the Uttarakhand Hills region of India. The study focuses on the differences in adopting digital technology between large and small farmers and highlights the importance of sustainable solutions that cover the entire farming cycle. The research explores the potential of digital technology in tackling key challenges faced by smallholding farmers, including income generation, supply chain efficiency, and post-harvest losses. The study carried out primary research in a small Himalayan fruit orchard located in Mukteshwar, Nainital District, Uttarakhand, India. The case study highlights the positive influence of digital technologies on the lives of small farmers residing in hilly regions. The methodology of research findings is based on practical implementation and fieldwork observations and concludes with recommendations for income generation, supply chain improvement, and the establishment of a digital ecosystem tailored for smallholding farmers. These insights provide a valuable foundation for future research endeavors in the domain of sustainable horticultural production and further will be helpful to achieve the targets of SDGs.