Scinovex

Research article · 2023 · Full text

International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science

The digital transformation of agri marketing: Managing customer experience

Kanchan KanchanShikha Singh

Volume 5(2) · Pages 94–102 · DOI: 10.33545/2664844x.2023.v5.i2b.150 ↗

Research areasInnovation and Socioeconomic Development

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Abstract

Author-written

Digital marketing is essential to India's agriculture sector's broader digital transformation. The agriculture industry in India is vital to the economy, as it employs and provides income for a substantial portion of the population. With the advent of digital technologies, agricultural product marketing and sales have undergone a swift transformation. Given the unique characteristics of the agriculture sector, such as the fragmented supply chain, lack of digital literacy among farmers, and limited internet penetration in rural areas, managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India presents numerous challenges. Nonetheless, the opportunities for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India are vast, such as the expanding market potential for digital agriculture, the increasing adoption of smartphones and mobile internet, the emergence of e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, and so on. To surmount these obstacles and take advantage of these opportunities, best practices include developing user-friendly and accessible digital platforms, providing farmers with timely and relevant information and services, etc. The paper concludes with implications for future research and practice, concluding remarks and suggestions for managing the consumer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India.

Summary

Source-checked

Plain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.

  1. Why it matters

    • Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Indian economy, contributing more than 18% of the GDP and providing employment for over 40% of the workforce. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Indian economy, contributing more than 18% of the GDP and providing employment for over 40% of the workforce.

      In the paper's own words

      “India is one of the world's largest agricultural producers and exporters, with agriculture accounting for over 18% of the country's GDP and employing over 40% of the labour force”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • The Indian agricultural sector faces significant systemic hurdles, including inefficient supply chains, low productivity, and a lack of access to markets and modern technology. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      The Indian agricultural sector faces significant systemic hurdles, including inefficient supply chains, low productivity, and a lack of access to markets and modern technology.

      In the paper's own words

      “India's agriculture industry confronts many obstacles, such as low productivity, an inefficient supply chain, a lack of market access, and limited adoption of technology and innovation.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • In the shift toward digital marketing, managing the customer experience is vital for building consumer trust and brand loyalty. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      In the shift toward digital marketing, managing the customer experience is vital for building consumer trust and brand loyalty.

      In the paper's own words

      “Managing the consumer experience is crucial for several reasons in the context of digital marketing for agricultural products in India. First, customer experience is crucial in fostering brand loyalty and consumer trust”

      Page 1

      Found in: Literature Review

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
  2. The question

    • The study aims to identify best practices and strategies for managing the customer experience within India's digital agricultural marketing landscape. View evidence ↗

      The question

      The study aims to identify best practices and strategies for managing the customer experience within India's digital agricultural marketing landscape.

      In the paper's own words

      “This study will examine best practices and strategies for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India, drawing from relevant research.”

      Page 2

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
  3. What they did

    • The authors conducted a review of relevant research, literature, and reports to analyze the digital transformation of agri-marketing. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The authors conducted a review of relevant research, literature, and reports to analyze the digital transformation of agri-marketing.

      In the paper's own words

      “This study will examine best practices and strategies for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India, drawing from relevant research.”

      Page 2

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
    • The analysis was structured around three objectives: identifying challenges, exploring opportunities, and analyzing best practices for customer experience management. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The analysis was structured around three objectives: identifying challenges, exploring opportunities, and analyzing best practices for customer experience management.

      In the paper's own words

      “The following are the objectives of the study 1. To identify the key challenges agricultural product marketers face in managing customer experience in India's rapidly changing digital marketing landscape. 2. To explore the opportunities presented by the digital marketing landscape for managing customer experience in the agriculture sector in India. 3. To analyze the best practices for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India”

      Page 3

      Found in: Objectives

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗
  4. What they found

    • A significant digital divide exists in India, where only 37% of the rural population has internet access compared to 69% of the urban population. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      A significant digital divide exists in India, where only 37% of the rural population has internet access compared to 69% of the urban population.

      In the paper's own words

      “37% of India's rural population has Internet access, compared to 69% of the urban population, according to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI, 2022)”

      Page 3

      Found in: To analyze the best practices for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗
    • Active internet usage is low in rural areas (31% vs 66% urban), with approximately 811 million Indians lacking internet access, 80% of whom reside in rural regions. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Active internet usage is low in rural areas (31% vs 66% urban), with approximately 811 million Indians lacking internet access, 80% of whom reside in rural regions.

      In the paper's own words

      “According to the KANTAR ICUBE Report (2020), only 31% of rural residents are active Internet users, compared to 66% of urban residents. Approximately 811 million Indians have not yet adopted the Internet, with 80 percent living in rural areas.”

      Page 4

      Found in: To analyze the best practices for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 4 ↗
    • The agricultural supply chain in India is highly fragmented, involving numerous intermediaries that lead to inefficiencies and high transaction costs. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      The agricultural supply chain in India is highly fragmented, involving numerous intermediaries that lead to inefficiencies and high transaction costs.

      In the paper's own words

      “According to a report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), India's agricultural supply chain is highly fragmented, with multiple intermediaries involved in bringing agricultural products from cultivators to consumers”

      Page 4

      Found in: Fragmented supply chain and distribution channels

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 4 ↗
    • AI in agriculture is projected to reach a value of $2.6 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 22.5%. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      AI in agriculture is projected to reach a value of $2.6 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 22.5%.

      In the paper's own words

      “NITI Aayog predicted that by 2025, artificial intelligence in agriculture would be worth $ 2.6 billion and increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.5 percent.”

      Page 5

      Found in: Opportunities to manage customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 5 ↗
    • Direct-to-consumer (D2C) models are becoming more popular, especially in urban areas, allowing producers to bypass intermediaries and offer better prices. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Direct-to-consumer (D2C) models are becoming more popular, especially in urban areas, allowing producers to bypass intermediaries and offer better prices.

      In the paper's own words

      “Due to the expansion of e-commerce platforms and social media, direct-to-consumer (D2C) models are gaining popularity in India, particularly in urban areas where consumers desire fresh organic produce.”

      Page 6

      Found in: Potential for direct-to-consumer models and bypassing intermediaries

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 6 ↗
    • Customer feedback is highly influential in India, with 79% of consumers valuing user reviews as much as personal recommendations. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Customer feedback is highly influential in India, with 79% of consumers valuing user reviews as much as personal recommendations.

      In the paper's own words

      “According to research conducted by Dixa in 2023, 79% of consumers place equal importance on user reviews and personal recommendations.”

      Page 7

      Found in: Building trust and credibility through customer feedback and ratings

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 7 ↗
  5. What it means

    • The authors recommend that policymakers and companies prioritize user-friendly platforms, transparent transactions, and stakeholder collaboration to improve the digital customer experience. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The authors recommend that policymakers and companies prioritize user-friendly platforms, transparent transactions, and stakeholder collaboration to improve the digital customer experience.

      In the paper's own words

      “The paper suggests that companies and policymakers should focus on enhancing the user-friendliness and accessibility of digital platforms, providing relevant and timely information and services, ensuring quality control and transparency in online transactions, building trust and credibility through customer feedback and ratings, and collaborating with other stakeholders along the value chain to facilitate seamless operations.”

      Page 8

      Found in: Conclusion

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 8 ↗
    • Successful digital transformation in agri-marketing requires a coordinated effort across all stakeholders, including farmers, businesses, and the government. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      Successful digital transformation in agri-marketing requires a coordinated effort across all stakeholders, including farmers, businesses, and the government.

      In the paper's own words

      “Managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India necessitates a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, farmers, businesses, and consumers”

      Page 8

      Found in: Conclusion

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 8 ↗

Visual summary

1 visuals

Illustrations explain the paper; they do not show study data.

AI-generated illustration
AI-generated conceptual illustration (Indian farmers and urban consumers). It explains the idea and does not show study data.↗ Enlarge
Supply Chain Transformation
AI-generated conceptual illustration (Indian farmers and urban consumers). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

AI-generated conceptual illustration (Indian farmers and urban consumers). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

Open full-size image ↗

Supply Chain Transformation

AI-generated conceptual illustration (Indian farmers and urban consumers). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

View source evidence ↗

Figures & tables

From the original paper
Internet Access in IndiaFigure 1Page 4Non-Active Internet UsersFigure 2Page 4Agriculture Supply ChainFigure 3Page 5D2C E-Commerce Business Model for Agriculture SupplyFigure 4Page 6
FULL TEXT Original article · reflowed for reading

Introduction

India is one of the world's largest agricultural producers and exporters, with agriculture accounting for over 18% of the country's GDP and employing over 40% of the labour force (Times of India, 2023) [33] . Over the past few years, the agro-industry has experienced a roller coaster of changes and advancements in cultivation approaches and techniques. Technologies have evolved, and innovations continue to increase yield and decrease expenses. Although farmers can now use smartphones and the internet to research the best farming practices, the adoption rate of agricultural technologies in India still needs to be increased. As a result, India's agriculture industry confronts many obstacles, such as low productivity, an inefficient supply chain, a lack of market access, and limited adoption of technology and innovation. In recent years, digital technologies have emerged as a potential remedy to these issues, providing opportunities to enhance agricultural efficiency, productivity, and profitability. (United Digital agriculture uses information and communication technology (ICT) and data ecosystems to make farming profitable and sustainable while providing everyone with safe, wholesome, and inexpensive food (Bergvinson, 2016) [5] . It is also known for implementing agriculture technology (AgTech) to integrate agricultural output from the field to the customer. These technologies can provide the agricultural sector with the knowledge and resources required to make more informed decisions and increase output. In addition, digital marketing platforms benefit producers by increasing the selling price and reducing the cost of promoting agricultural products. (Reddy, Sudhakar, 2021) [26] . In its report, the Committee on Doubling Farmers' Income (DFI) acknowledged the significance of digital technology, arguing that it can coordinate and modernize rural India's agricultural activities, thereby bringing about a revolution. The agricultural value system increasingly employs digital technologies. Several initiatives are in place to facilitate farmers' access to technology and information, which has increased farmers' knowledge.

The government has taken the following measures to advance digital agriculture in the nation  The government has completed the main design elements of the framework for the India Digital Environment of Agriculture (IDEA), which will establish the federated farmers' database structure.  The National e-Governance Plan for Agriculture (NeGP-A) provides funding to the state (s)/UT(s) for initiatives utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics, drones, data analytics, and blockchain.  The Agricultural Mechanization Sub Mission (SMAM) has been operational. By putting small and marginal farmers at the centre of the program and supplying them with farm mechanization, the system aims to "reach the unreached."  The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a pan-Indian electronic trading site that connects the current Agricultural Product Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a uniform national market for agricultural commodities.  Funds are deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible producers through the direct benefit transfer mechanism of the PM KISAN Scheme.

The agriculture industry in India is vital to the economy, as it employs and provides income for a substantial portion of the population. With the advent of digital technologies, agricultural product marketing and sales have undergone a swift transformation. However, this transformation has also given businesses several challenges in managing the consumer experience. This study will examine best practices and strategies for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India, drawing from relevant research.

Literature Review

In managing customer experience, numerous types of research are conducted; the following are literature reviews to help comprehend the management of customer experience by businesses in the digitalisation era. Rashida (2018) [31] suggested that digital agriculture has the potential to benefit the economy, society, and culture by boosting agricultural productivity, cost-effectiveness, and market opportunities. It can also provide environmental benefits through resource efficiency and adaptation to climate change, as well as social and cultural benefits through enhanced communication and inclusion. According to market forecasts for the next ten years, a "digital agricultural revolution" will be the most recent development that could ensure agriculture continues to meet the global population's needs. The third significant revolution in modern agriculture is known as digital agriculture. Improving agricultural productivity, costefficiency, and market prospects may have economic repercussions. However, the transition must be executed cautiously to prevent the widening digital divide between economies and industries. This is true for individuals with varying capacities for adopting innovative technologies. FAO UN (2019) [10] recommended that governments establish an appropriate regulatory environment for the digital agriculture transition to realize its maximum potential. Designing and managing digital government initiatives requires a high administrative capacity, which is out of reach for some nations, particularly LDCs and developing nations.

In addition, governments should provide farmers, potential private sector investors, and startup companies with the socioeconomic case for the digitalization of subsistence agriculture to close the digital divide. To support this transformation in policy and regulation, governments in developing nations and LDCs must undertake a substantial capacity-building effort. Smartphones used by smallholder farmers for agricultural marketing could alter the game, according to Gaurav and Nilesh (2022) [7] . It enhances customer comprehension of market prices and agricultural product demand. Despite these alternatives, it is essential to remember that each problem has a finite number of viable solutions. If you have sophisticated marketing skills, you can recover more benefits than if you do not. The agriculture extension mechanism increasingly relies on technology to provide farmers with pertinent responses. To promote digital agripreneurship, businesses must develop a population of digitally trained individuals. Consider the case where the new app is extensively promoted on social media. By demonstrating its benefits and how it differs from other m-Agri applications, more farmers who do not presently use it will adopt it. Well-planned advertising employs both verbal and nonverbal cues to communicate. The government and several enterprises are funding agricultural marketing initiatives to benefit farmers. In the future years, farmers' incomes will need to triple, while their output will need to double.

In their study, Peter & Latha (2021) [22] propose that the Technology Acceptance Model, which serves as the foundation for much research on the dissemination of information technology (IT), will be more valuable if it is combined with specific issues such as infrastructure, perception, and trust on the consumer side as well as more fundamental parts of the security aspects of technology and service on the side of the information providers concerning India's agriculture sector. N. Rameshkumar found in his study that digital marketing is crucial during a pandemic. The producers would benefit from an increase in selling price and a reduction in marketing expenses. Numerous young producers have adopted digital marketing. The federal and state administrations formulate a policy for establishing a sustainable digital agriculture market, including farmer education campaigns on digital marketing.

According to Sudhakar Reddy (2021) [26] , farmers benefit from digital marketing platforms because they increase the selling price and decrease the cost of marketing their agricultural products, such as cotton lint, maize, and vegetables. In addition, digital marketing is a helpful information and business tool. Additionally, he claims that digital media facilitates the sale of vast crops. Lastly, he advised state and federal governments in India to develop long-term plans and policies for the digital agriculture industry.

Ashok and Naresh (2020) [3] discovered that marketers must proceed cautiously because some consumers need to prepare for the advanced technology-based business revolution. This encompasses a significant portion of rural areas in Indian states. On the other hand, consumers in certain regions of India are so adamant about utilizing high-tech products and services that businesses are under pressure to develop novel concepts. These gaps may be caused by a lack of education or literacy, inadequate infrastructure development, irregular regional economic growth, linguistic diversity, an unequally dispersed population (reach problem), exposure gaps, etc. Huma, Muhammad, et al.'s (2022) [32] study indicates that profitable agricultural enterprises can use blockchain technology to complete tasks effectively and efficiently. This result is the result of blockchain technology, which offers numerous benefits such as secure transactions, the prevention of product fraud, reliability, transparency, integrity, and integrity, as well as straightforward data retrieval and traceability. In addition to facilitating supply chain management, blockchain technology can provide data transparency for recycling. Multiple participants in the supply chain have access to the same data and information without actively sharing monitoring systems. In addition, with the technology in place, recyclers can track waste as it travels through the chain, and key stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain can assess one another's recycling efforts. Regina, Thomas, et al. (2021) [29] stated that public initiatives in developing nations could assist in transforming the numerous intriguing private-sector examples of digital agriculture into thriving businesses and disseminating their benefits to more producers and consumers. Potential interventions include the development of knowledge and skills, the provision of communication infrastructure, and the financing of applied research in support of digital technologies. However, government intervention is necessary to capitalize on the opportunities presented by digital agriculture and to mitigate its potential drawbacks, such as the increasing consolidation of agricultural input industries.

A combination of private initiatives and prudent public action is necessary to ensure that digital agriculture results in an "agricultural revolution" that benefits farmers, farmworkers, consumers, and the environment globally.

To successfully influence the 230 million rural consumers dispersed across approximately 600, 000 villages in rural India, Ashok (2017) [30] suggested that marketers must significantly alter their perspectives on the prospering and expanding rural markets. Given the well-documented issues with traditional communications, such as advertising and direct marketing, there is a clear need for academics and practitioners to reevaluate the best methods to deliver brand messages. Recent attention has shifted to the significance of experience in brand performance and how the interaction between internal and external brand representatives can extend consumer brand relationships by co-producing added value. Sridevi, in 2021 [23] . The segment of agricultural products is significantly influenced by consumer behaviour. To compete with the changing purchasing patterns of urban consumers in the market for agricultural products, agricultural product marketers must be innovative and dynamic. The study revealed that while consumers were typically devoted to agricultural products, they needed to know their availability and images. Indeed, the respondent was drawn to agricultural products. In order to successfully market agricultural products, marketers must create promotions that are both moral and practical. Additionally, they must make their products available in large quantities and an extensive selection.

Sakthivel & Nachimuthu (2017) [20] . Their research examines consumer contentment with a handful of high-quality, longlasting products, particularly in the Erode District. Marketing is continuous prior to production and after sales. Marketing is the practice of creating customers. Everyone enjoys enduring items. The most important aspect of the products is their quality, and respondents were generally pleased with the prices. Additionally, customers have valued product qualities such as durability and customer service. This study endeavoured to cast light on the unpredictability of customer satisfaction in all forms of marketing, although it is widely acknowledged that this concept could be more reliable.

Objectives

The following are the objectives of the study 1. To identify the key challenges agricultural product marketers face in managing customer experience in India's rapidly changing digital marketing landscape. 2. To explore the opportunities presented by the digital marketing landscape for managing customer experience in the agriculture sector in India.

To analyze the best practices for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India

Challenges of managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India Lack of Digital Infrastructure and Internet Penetration in Rural Areas 37% of India's rural population has Internet access, compared to 69% of the urban population, according to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI, 2022) [12] . This digital divide has created a significant barrier for businesses to reach and engage with rural consumers, representing a substantial portion of the Indian agriculture market. Furthermore, even in areas with access to the internet, the quality of digital infrastructure could be better, resulting in slow internet speeds and connectivity issues. This makes it difficult for businesses to provide a seamless digital customer experience, which hurts consumer loyalty and satisfaction. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that many rural consumers in India have low levels of digital literacy and need to familiarize themselves with using digital technologies to purchase agricultural products. have not yet adopted the Internet, with 80 percent living in rural areas. "Difficulty in understanding the Internet" is the leading deterrent and absence of awareness, particularly in rural India (IAMAI, 2022) [12] . This digital illiteracy can make it difficult for businesses to reach and engage their intended audience, resulting in low consumer engagement and conversion rates.

In addition, many Indian farmers and consumers are unaware of the advantages of digital technologies for agricultural marketing. They may be acclimated to traditional methods of purchasing and selling agricultural products, such as physical markets or intermediaries, and may need to trust or comprehend online platforms. This makes it difficult for businesses to persuade their target market of the advantages of using digital agricultural marketing channels.

Fragmented supply chain and distribution channels

According to a report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), India's agricultural supply chain is highly fragmented, with multiple intermediaries involved in bringing agricultural products from cultivators to consumers (FICCI, 2017) [34] . This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, high transaction costs, and poor quality control, all of which have a negative impact on the consumer experience.

In addition, the need for a standardized and organized distribution network in rural areas can make it difficult for businesses to reach their target market effectively. Farmers and consumers in rural areas frequently rely on local markets or intermediaries to purchase and sell agricultural products, which may not be accessible via digital channels.

Source: Survey Data

Source: Survey Data

Difficulty maintaining quality standards and ensuring transparency in online transactions

Quality control is essential in agriculture because it affects the overall consumer experience. However, the need for standardization in quality control practices across various regions and supply chains can contribute to inconsistent product quality and negative customer experiences.

In addition, ensuring pricing transparency, product origin, and authenticity in online transactions can be difficult. Due to the absence of direct interaction with the products before purchase, customers may need clarification on the quality and authenticity of online agricultural products. This can result in a loss of confidence in the online platform, negatively affecting the consumer experience.

Competition from unorganized and informal Markets

Agriculture has the greatest proportion of the unorganized sector due to its small and fragmented holdings. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), managing consumer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products can be a significant challenge. Customers can be enticed away from digital platforms by the lower prices and more flexible credit terms of informal markets. In addition, these markets frequently need more quality control and regulation, resulting in consistent product quality and negative customer experiences. These unorganized and informal markets can also make it difficult for digital platforms to establish themselves on the market.

Regulatory and policy challenges

Agriculture remains a highly regulated industry in India, with multiple government agencies possessing supervisory authority. Both the federal government and individual states impose regulatory controls. (Nusrat Hassan, Yosef) In addition, businesses must adhere to numerous regulations and policies about food safety, quality control, and product labelling. These regulations can vary between states and regions, making it difficult for businesses to navigate the regulatory environment. In addition, the absence of a defined regulatory framework for agricultural e-commerce can cause uncertainty and confusion among businesses and consumers.

In addition, a lack of infrastructure and resources for enforcing regulations can make it challenging to ensure regulatory compliance. This can lead to consistent product quality and positive customer experiences, undermining the digital platform's credibility.

Opportunities to manage customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India

Large and growing market potential for digital agriculture With a population exceeding 1.4 billion individuals. India is the world's most populous nation, with 70% of its population residing in rural areas and relying on agriculture (NABARD, 2021) [19] . In a report, NITI Aayog predicted that by 2025, artificial intelligence in agriculture would be worth $ 2. Therefore, India's expanding market potential for digital agriculture presents an opportunity to improve customer experience management in digital marketing for agricultural products.

Increasing adoption of smartphones and mobile internet

India has the second-largest number of smartphone users worldwide, and this figure is projected to increase in the coming years. As more producers and consumers in rural areas access smartphones and mobile internet, the potential for digital marketing to reach a larger audience grows. This opportunity is especially pertinent to agricultural marketing because it enables producers to access information about markets, weather conditions, and other agricultural resources via smartphones. Moreover, mobile-based platforms can facilitate direct communication between producers and buyers, potentially reducing the need for intermediaries and enhancing the supply chain's transparency.

In addition, the proliferation of mobile-based Unified Payment Interface (UPI) payment systems like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe has facilitated the digitalization of transactions, making it simpler for farmers to receive payments from buyers without needing physical currency. This has the potential to reduce transaction costs and increase agricultural market efficiency.

Emergence of e-commerce platforms and marketplaces for agricultural products E-commerce platforms such as BigBasket, Grofers, and Amazon, as well as marketplaces such as Udaan and Ninjacart, have begun providing producers with a more extensive customer base and greater direct market access. These platforms facilitate the connection between producers, buyers, and consumers, resulting in a more transparent and effective agricultural supply chain. In addition, these platforms provide farmers with value-added services such as logistics, quality control, and financial services, allowing them to administer their businesses better. For example, Udaan, an online B2B marketplace, offers logistics, payments, and credit facilities to its clients, including farmers, traders, and retailers.

Source: Survey Data

Source: Survey Data

Potential for direct-to-consumer models and bypassing intermediaries

One of the opportunities for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India is the potential for direct-to-consumer (D2C) models, which can circumvent intermediaries and offer producers better prices for their produce. Better quality control and more transparent transactions for producers and consumers can also result. Due to the expansion of e-commerce platforms and social media, direct-to-consumer (D2C) models are gaining popularity in India, particularly in urban areas where consumers desire fresh organic produce. Companies such as Ninjacart BigBasket and Udaan also provide direct-to-consumer (D2C) solutions for farmers by procuring directly from them and delivering them to urban consumers.

Possibility of leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence for personalized customer experiences

The rapidly expanding availability and abundance of digital data in agriculture enables businesses to use data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide customized consumer experiences. By analyzing consumer preferences, purchase behaviour, and market trends, businesses can develop targeted marketing strategies and provide consumers with customized products and services. This can assist in enhancing the overall customer experience, boosting customer satisfaction, and fostering brand loyalty. Moreover, AI-powered tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants can provide consumers with personalized recommendations and assistance, enhancing the customer experience. India has a substantial opportunity to leverage data analytics and AI in agriculture. A vast quantity of data can be analyzed to gain insights into consumer behaviour and preferences as the number of internet users and smartphone owners continues to rise. AgNext uses AI-powered platforms to assist farmers with soil testing and crop analysis, while Ninjacart uses data analytics to optimize supply chain operations and provide customized customer recommendations.

Supportive policy and regulatory framework

The Indian government has recently taken numerous measures to support and promote digital agriculture. The government's Digital India initiative seeks to provide digital infrastructure and services to all citizens, including those in rural areas, thereby improving farmers' access to digital technologies. Moreover, the government has launched some programs and initiatives to promote e-commerce and digital transactions in agriculture. The e-NAM platform was launched in 2016 to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities and to allow farmers to sell their produce directly to online customers (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, 2021) [17] .

In addition, the government has taken steps to regulate and support e-commerce in the country, including the recent introduction of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, which aim to protect consumers and promote equitable business practices in the e-commerce sector. These enabling policies and regulations promote the digital marketing of agricultural products in India. In addition, they can offer businesses opportunities to enhance the consumer experience via online platforms.

Best practices for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India Developing user-Friendly and Accessible Digital Platforms and Interfaces

It is essential to consider producers' and consumers' digital literacy and familiarity with technology to ensure they can easily use digital platforms. This can be accomplished by designing straightforward, instinctive interfaces that require minimal technical knowledge. In addition, it is crucial to ensure that the platforms are accessible to users with varying levels of technological proficiency, including those with lowend devices and sluggish Internet connections. (Kumar et al., 2017) [15] assert that ICTs can facilitate farmers' access to timely and pertinent information and facilitate the creation and dissemination of knowledge within the agricultural community. e-NAM, a government-run online marketplace for agricultural products, is another illustration. E-NAM provides farmers with real-time market price data, enabling them to make well-informed judgments regarding where to sell their products. The platform also provides access to online payment and delivery services, streamlining the purchasing and selling process and improving the consumer experience (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, 2021) [17] .

Ensuring quality control and transparency in online transactions

This can be accomplished by providing comprehensive product descriptions, product images and videos, certifications and quality marks, and customer reviews and feedback. To develop consumer confidence, online platforms should provide clear information on product origin, production methods, and certification. Moreover, through computer education programs such as awareness camps, short-term courses, and internet clubs for farmers, the desire to embrace and implement modern technology in farming techniques will increase in popularity (Shibi & Aithal, 2022) [4] . Moreover, E-commerce platforms should implement quality assurance mechanisms to maintain quality standards and guarantee that products meet regulatory requirements. Moreover, secure and transparent payment systems can increase consumer confidence and trust in online transactions. Payment systems that provide multiple payment options and secure payment gateways can decrease transactional friction and enhance the consumer experience.

Building trust and credibility through customer feedback and ratings

Customer ratings and feedback is a recommended method for attaining this objective. Businesses can improve their products and services and develop customer trust and credibility by providing a platform for customers to provide feedback and ratings. It is feasible to acquire new clients and retain existing customers only with consumer feedback and complaints. Customer feedback provides data that can be used to make more informed business decisions. Customer feedback provides valuable insight into what consumers think of products and services, thereby contributing to the success of a business. (Client Heartbeat. 2015) [8] According to research conducted by Dixa in 2023, 79% of consumers place equal importance on user reviews and personal recommendations. Customer reviews and evaluations are among the most influential factors in Indian consumer purchase decisions. In addition, the report suggests that businesses can increase customer loyalty and repeat purchases by promptly addressing customer feedback and rectifying any issues. AgroStar, an Indian agritech startup that connects farmers with suppliers and offers farming advice, is one example of a platform that leverages consumer feedback and ratings. The AgroStar app enables consumers to rate products and services and provides personalized suggestions based on their ratings. Bigbasket, an Indian online grocery store that enables customers to rate products and provide feedback, is another example. This feedback enhances the company's product offerings and consumer experience.

Collaborating with other stakeholders in the value chain for seamless operations

Collaboration among stakeholders in the agricultural value chain can aid in overcoming the obstacles associated with managing consumer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India. This includes partnerships among producers, agribusinesses, logistics providers, and online marketplaces. By collaborating, they can ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products that exceed customer expectations. The collaboration between the Indian e-commerce platform BigBasket and the horticulture department of the Karnataka state government illustrates this. BigBasket collaborated with the department to source fresh produce directly from farmers, eliminating the need for intermediaries and ensuring that farmers receive fair product prices. This also led to a consistent supply of high-quality goods for customers. The partnership between the Indian agritech startup Ninjacart and farmers is another illustration. Ninjacart collaborates with smallholder farmers to provide them with access to technology, training, and financing, enabling them to cultivate high-quality commodities that can be sold on its platform. By collaborating with farmers, Ninjacart can ensure a consistent supply of high-quality products for its consumers.

Innovating and experimenting with new digital marketing models and strategies

With the constantly evolving digital landscape, companies must keep up with the latest trends and technologies to remain competitive and meet customers' changing needs. This may incorporate social media, influencers, content, or additional digital marketing strategies. As an illustration of this best practice, consider the use of chatbots for customer service and engagement. Chatbots are computer programs that simulate client conversations. In the agricultural industry, they are increasingly used to responding instantly to customer inquiries, processing orders, and performing other duties. Farmguide, an agri-tech company, has created a chatbot that can answer farmers' questions about agriculture, weather, pests, and other farming-related topics. Using chatbots, businesses can provide a more efficient and personalized consumer experience. Another example of innovation is using blockchain technology to provide transparency and traceability in the agricultural supply chain. Using blockchain technology to create digital records of transactions and product movements can increase transparency and reduce fraud. The agri-tech company AgriChain, for instance, uses blockchain to provide a secure platform for farmers to offer their produce directly to consumers, circumventing intermediaries and ensuring traceability and quality control.

Conclusion

Managing the consumer experience in digital marketing for India's agricultural products presents both obstacles and opportunities. The obstacles include competition from unorganized and informal markets, regulatory and policy issues, a need for more awareness and digital literacy among farmers, and restricted access to technology and infrastructure. However, the opportunities for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India are enormous, including the large and growing market potential for digital agriculture, the increasing adoption of smartphones and mobile internet, the emergence of e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, the potential for direct-to-consumer models and bypassing intermediaries, and the potential for leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence for personalized marketing. To overcome these challenges and seize these opportunities, best practices for managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India include developing user-friendly and accessible digital platforms and interfaces, providing relevant and timely information and services to farmers and consumers, ensuring quality control and transparency in online transactions, building trust and credibility through customer feedback and ratings, collaborating The paper suggests that companies and policymakers should focus on enhancing the user-friendliness and accessibility of digital platforms, providing relevant and timely information and services, ensuring quality control and transparency in online transactions, building trust and credibility through customer feedback and ratings, and collaborating with other stakeholders along the value chain to facilitate seamless operations. In addition, businesses should consider innovating and experimenting with new digital marketing models and strategies to remain competitive in the swiftly evolving digital landscape. Managing customer experience in digital marketing for agricultural products in India necessitates a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, farmers, businesses, and consumers, to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the rapidly changing digital marketing landscape.

Figures and tables from the paper

Figure 1. Internet Access in India
Internet Access in India↗ Enlarge
Figure 1
Internet Access in India

Internet Access in India

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 4 ↗
Figure 2. Non-Active Internet Users
Non-Active Internet Users↗ Enlarge
Figure 2
Non-Active Internet Users

Non-Active Internet Users

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 4 ↗
Figure 3. Agriculture Supply Chain
Agriculture Supply Chain↗ Enlarge
Figure 3
Agriculture Supply Chain

Agriculture Supply Chain

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 5 ↗
Figure 4. D2C E-Commerce Business Model for Agriculture Supply
D2C E-Commerce Business Model for Agriculture Supply↗ Enlarge
Figure 4
D2C E-Commerce Business Model for Agriculture Supply

D2C E-Commerce Business Model for Agriculture Supply

Open full-size image ↗
Original paper figureSource PDF · page 6 ↗

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