Digital technology adoption challenges in the agri-food supply chain from the perspective of attaining sustainable development goals

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges surrounding the implementation of digital technology (DT) agri-food supply chain (AFSC) and explore how these challenges relate to the various sustainability dimensions. Additionally, it aims to assess how these challenges are interconnected in relation to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a mixed-method approach utilizing the EFA-ISM-Fuzzy DEMATEL technique. To support and validate the findings, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) categorized 12 critical challenges in sustainable dimensions from 141 participants' responses. Furthermore, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and decision-making trial and evaluation (DEMATEL) methods were used to obtain the interrelationship and hierarchical structure of the challenges.FindingsThe study identified 12 critical challenges while adopting DT in AFSC. These challenges were categorized into four sustainable dimensions: technological, economic, environmental and social. These challenges hinder the achievement of SDGs as well. Lack of regulatory and policy framework with security and privacy issues were the key challenges faced while adopting DT. These observations emphasize the necessity for government and policymakers to prioritize tackling the identified challenges to successfully endorse and execute DT initiatives in AFSC while also fulfilling the SDGs.Research limitations/implicationsThe implication underscores the need for collaboration among various stakeholders, such as governments, policymakers, businesses and researchers. By collectively addressing these challenges, DT can be leveraged optimally, fostering sustainable practices and making progress toward achieving the SDGs within the AFSC.Originality/valueThe study uses a combination technique of EFA and ISM-DEMATEL to identify the challenges faced in Indian AFSC while adopting DT and categorizes the interrelation between the challenges along with fulfilling the SDGs.