Bridging Food Security and Sustainability: A Circular Economy Approach ^†

This study addresses the essential dual challenge of assuring global food security in the face of expanding populations and the widespread repercussions of climate change, while also reducing the environmental degradation inherent in current agricultural practices. It emphasises the critical significance of the circular economy (CE) paradigm in transforming agricultural marketing, particularly in developing countries such as India, in order to grow sustainable and resilient food systems.

A systematic literature review was conducted, employing a comprehensive search across electronic databases and aimed to identify and analyse the specific obstacles and challenges impeding CE adoption within the Indian agricultural sector. In order to accomplish this, the interrelationships between these themes were established using a combination of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and the MICMAC (cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification) approach. From the analysis, sixteen key challenging factors were identified through a synthesis of the existing literature and expert opinions from agrarian elites. The successful implementation of CE practices is notably influenced by various drivers, including heightened environmental sustainability, fostering innovation, realising economic benefits, and supportive public policies. Conversely, significant barriers impede this adoption.

The ISM analysis revealed that inadequate planning and policy-making, alongside a considerable lack of awareness among decision-makers regarding Industry 4.0 technologies, represent prominent obstacles to expanding the circular economy in Indian agriculture. The research findings indicate that among the 16 factors analysed, the key variables are technological infeasibility, deficit knowledge and skills, financial constraints, and the fragmentation of lands. This study offers a roadmap for the urgent necessity for integrated policy frameworks, enhanced stakeholder awareness, and accelerated technological adoption to foster a circular agricultural economy. Such a transformation is essential for improving food quality, minimising waste, and building systemic resilience against the escalating shocks of climate change. Experts interviewed feel that addressing these variables can significantly reduce barriers to circular agriculture and sustainable development in India.