Harnessing Blockchain Technology for Transforming Indian Agriculture: A Review of Innovations and Applications

Abstract

Agriculture is a cornerstone of India’s economy, contributing 18.3% to the Gross Value Added (GVA). Despite its importance, it remains one of the least digitized industries, facing challenges in transparency, efficiency, and trust. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized and immutable ledger system, has emerged as a revolutionary tool to address these challenges. This review explores the potential of blockchain in transforming Indian agriculture by analysing real-life case studies like Fertilizer Subsidy Management, Seed Distribution, Traceability interface, and land records, Public distribution systems, Blood Bank and Secure and Seamless Taxation. These applications showcase blockchain's capacity to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability while addressing systemic inefficiencies. The paper discusses the current progress, challenges, and the future trajectory of blockchain adoption in Indian agriculture. While showcasing promising applications, the study also discusses the challenges of scalability, digital literacy, and regulatory frameworks that must be addressed for widespread adoption.