Indian Journal of Agricultural Research
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 60
  • Issue: 8

Reverse Logistics Barriers in Circular Agri-food Supply Chains: An ISM-MICMAC Approach

  • Author:
  • Vinod G. Surange1,*, Shivagond Nagappa Teli2,**, Soumya Hublikar3, Sanjivkumar M. Pol4, Bharatesh A. Danawade5
  • Total Page Count: 8
  • Page Number: 1294 to 1301

1Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Nagpur-440 035, Maharashtra, India

2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth, College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai-400 614, Maharashtra, India

3Department of Mechanical Engineering, W alchand College of Engineering, Sangli-416 415, Maharashtra, India

4Visvesvaraya Technological University, Jnana Sangama, Belagavi - 590 003, Karnataka, India

5Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gharda Institute of Technology, Lavel-415 708, Maharashtra, India

*Corresponding Authors: Vinod G. Surange, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Nagpur-440 035, Maharashtra, India, Email: vinod.surange@gmail.com

**Shivagond Nagappa Teli, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth, College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai-400 614, Maharashtra, India, shivanandteli75@gmail.com

Abstract

This study identifies and models key barriers to reverse logistics (RL) implementation in circular agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) in the Indian context and examines their interrelationships.

Fourteen barriers were identified through an extensive literature review and expert consultation. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was employed to develop a hierarchical structure and cross impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis was used to classify barriers based on driving and dependence power.

The findings indicate that lack of RL infrastructure (B2), high cost and low return on investment (B5) and inadequate cold chain facilities (B6) are the most influential barriers, forming the foundational layer of the system. The results highlight the need to prioritize infrastructure and financial interventions, supported by enabling policy measures for effective circular transition. The study provides a system-level understanding of barrier interrelationships and contributes to circular AFSCs literature in the Indian context.

Keywords

Agri-food supply chains, Circular economy, ISM, MICMAC, Reverse logistics, Sustainability