AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON ADOPTION OF GSCPS BY COTTON FARMERS OFTELANGANA

Abstract

Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) plays a vital role in improving the environmental sustainability of cotton production and marketing. The present study assessed the adoption of green supply chain practices among 240 cotton farmers across six dimensions: green input procurement, green production, green post-harvest management, green logistics and transportation, green processing and marketing and waste management. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule with a five-point Likert scale. The findings revealed a moderately high adoption of green supply chain practices among the respondents. They showed higher adoption of procurement decisions based on economic and environmental considerations (Mean = 4.37), soil conservation measures (Mean = 4.30), recommended post-harvest storage practices (Mean = 4.29), environmentally sustainable logistics decisions (Mean = 4.30), renewable energy and waste-reduction practices in processing units (Mean = 4.18), and utilization of cotton residues for composting, mulching or bioenergy (Mean = 4.28). Comparatively lower adoption was observed for eco-friendly seed treatment (Mean = 3.84), renewable energy use in farm operations (Mean = 3.56), environmentally friendly packaging during post-harvest (Mean = 3.80) and transportation (Mean = 3.67), digital marketing platforms (Mean = 3.80), traceability systems (Mean = 3.75), and community participation in environmental conservation activities (Mean = 3.90). The study concludes that although cotton farmers have substantially adopted green supply chain practices, greater emphasis on extension services, capacity building, financial incentives, renewable energy technologies, eco-certification, digital marketing, and traceability systems is essential to strengthen sustainability across the cotton value chain.