Implementing end-to-end traceability in the dairy supply chain using blockchain technology is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the journey of dairy products from farm to table. This innovative approach is exemplified by a pilot project involving GS1 and Maahi Milk, a cooperative society dedicated to producing high-quality dairy products in Gujarat, India.
The project, located in the Junagarh district of Gujarat, involves approximately 10,000 farmers and considers about 20,000 livestock. It focuses on traceable components and critical tracking events to establish a robust system for tracking cattle, milk, dairy products, and value chain participants. This includes monitoring events such as health checks and milking for cattle, collection, transportation, and processing of milk, as well as the processing, packaging, and dispatch of dairy products like butter and ghee. The traceability process also encompasses the transfer of ownership of traceable items and the transformation of these items throughout the value chain.
Technology plays a crucial role in enabling this traceability, and Hyperledger Fabric has been chosen as the technology for the blockchain solution. This framework provides integration of value chain participants across various systems and technologies, the ability to create multiple channels for different dairy organizations, and provision of data isolation to control data access while enabling tracking within the blockchain network.
The implementation of blockchain technology in the dairy supply chain offers several benefits, including enhanced traceability, increased transparency, improved efficiency, strengthened consumer trust, and optimized operations. The use of blockchain technology ensures reduced operational costs, automates the decision-making process, and facilitates real-time tracking of critical parameters of dairy products along the entire supply chain. Additionally, it allows for efficient tracing of product lots and products back to their source, thereby enhancing food safety and consumer confidence.
The project’s focus on implementing end-to-end traceability using blockchain technology signifies a transformative shift in the dairy supply chain. By leveraging the power of blockchain, the project aims to provide transparency and accountability to stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, government authorities, and shipping companies. This not only fosters trust in the origin and quality of dairy products but also streamlines operations, improves traceability, and reduces risks such as counterfeiting and stockouts.
In conclusion, the implementation of blockchain technology in the dairy supply chain represents a significant leap towards a more transparent, efficient, and trustworthy ecosystem for all stakeholders involved. It demonstrates the potential of blockchain technology to transform the dairy supply chain and pave the way for a more resilient and reliable system that benefits everyone involved.
