M. HARSHA VARDHINI*, N. VANI, S. RAJESWARI AND T. LAKSHMI

Department of Agricultural. Economics, S.V. Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Tirupati-517 502.

ABSTRACT

The transition toward sustainable agriculture has increased the adoption of biofertilizers as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers in paddy cultivation. This study investigates the biofertilizer supply chain originating from the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Tirupati, and evaluates associated risks using a hybrid approach of Petri Nets and Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA). Two key distribution pathways were assessed: Pathway 1 (via Krishi Vigyan Kendras and DAATT Centres) and Pathway 2 (direct supply to farmers). Petri Net models were used to visualize supply flows, while FMECA identified and ranked potential failure modes based on their severity, occurrence and detection difficulty. The most critical risks included delays in input supply at the production level (RPN = 336), limited rural supply centres (RPN = 280), and distribution inefficiencies through intermediaries (RPN = 224). Comparative analysis revealed that Pathway 2 was more efficient and resilient, offering better quality control, reduced delivery delays and improved farmer outreach. The study concludes that direct distribution, combined with expanded supply infrastructure and targeted farmer training, can significantly enhance biofertilizer adoption and support sustainable rice production in Andhra Pradesh..

KEYWORDS: Biofertilizers, Supply Chain, Petri Nets, FMECA, Risk Analysis.