Agriculture logistics management is a specific area of logistics, which covers all activities related to the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods in agriculture. This management practice becomes necessary because of the following reasons: Many agricultural goods are perishable; They have to travel considerable distances; And farm-sale activities are seasonal.
In order to manage them, it’s important to plan well in advance. For example, efficient logistics of agriculture include planning, such as delivery scheduling and the selection of the best route to dispatch producers’ goods from suppliers to distributors in the shortest period of time and at the lowest possible cost. It also refers to planning the selection of the best transport mode, which can range from, road, rail, air, and sea depending on the cost and distance, as well as the nature of agricultural products.
Another important component is how products are stored and handled, and inappropriate procedures can lead to major losses. Agricultural storage buildings are designed to maintain specified temperatures and humidity, helping to maintain the ripeness of perishables such as fruits and vegetables or the aging of dairy products.
In terms of modern technology, agriculture logistics is substantially supported by various tools of navigation (GPS tracking, telematics, fleet management software, and so forth). Such technological advancements allow for observing vehicle routes, managing fuel consumption, driving compliance with agricultural transport regulations, and meeting HOS requirements through the usage of so-called Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs).
Similarly important is compliance with food safety and sanitation rules, which ensures that agricultural products are transported so as to ensure they arrive in good condition and remain ready for human consumption. This ensures regular audits and food safety organization standards.
To rephrase, agribusiness logistics management complements agricultural business sustainability (productivity and profitability) and the food security issue of countries by maintaining a balance of practical logistics know-how coupled with the use of digital technologies in managing the intricacies of agribusiness supply chain systems that motivates the subject of agribusiness logistics management today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is agriculture logistics management?
Agri-logistics deals with the management of the storage, transport, and delivery of food and other agricultural products ensuring that agricultural products from farms are delivered to the market within the stipulated time in good and safe condition.
Why is logistics management important in agriculture?
It helps reduce costs, prevent spoilage, and deliver on time to the market, especially since many farm products are naturally perishable.
How do technologies like ELDs benefit agriculture logistics?
ELDs are used for regulatory compliance with respect to hours of service of drivers, smart-routing and bottom-line optimization, and driver safety, and make logistics operations more efficient and compliant.
What are the challenges faced in agriculture logistics management?
For instance, deliveries must be used on a first-come, first-served basis to avoid perishables going bad, food safety regulations must be met, product seasonality must be managed, and transportation costs can vary greatly.
Related Keywords
Farm machinery telematics cost, farm machinery tracking, farm produce delivery tracking
