The government of Indian state of Kerala is undertaking a new project aimed at streamlining the purchase and distribution network of milk, vegetables and fish in the state using blockchain technology, according to the Press Trust of India.

The project is being implemented through the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), a strategic think-tank and advisory body constituted by the Government of Kerala.

In the dairy sector, blockchain technology would facilitate continuous monitoring of production, procurement and distribution through a digital ledger, ensuring speedy delivery of high quality milk, Chairman of K-DISC, K M Abraham said.

Further explaining the process, he said that every component of the supply chain network will have a separate ID number, which would allow checking the source and quality of the product at every point.

The project will also employ advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), coupled with RFID Tags and mobile applications, to monitor the movement of trucks and refrigerated tanks to make sure they adhere to fixed parameters like temperature in which the products are to be kept.

Blockchain technology is also being introduced to improve the supply chain process of vegetables and fish. It will involve linking farms and fish-landing spots with packaging centres using geo-coded images. The technologies would help facilitate continuous monitoring and verification of goods at every point – right from warehouses, wholesale and retail centres up to the point of sale to the consumer.

In addition, the government also intends to enhance the efficiency of its crop insurance scheme, by ensuring fast processing and settlement of claims to farmers suffering crop losses. Blockchain technology would help streamline the entire process – making it hassle-free and time-saving – and eliminating the role of intermediaries.