Authors: Koushal.M
Abstract: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic brought severe disruptions to global and local supply chains, impacting production, labour, transportation, and market dynamics across various sectors. The tea industry, a vital component of Tamil Nadu’s agricultural economy, was particularly affected due to its heavy reliance on manual labor and complex distribution networks. This study investigates the post-pandemic supply chain challenges faced by tea estates in Tamil Nadu, focusing on major tea-producing regions such as the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Anamalai Hills. The research aims to identify key factors influencing supply chain resilience and sustainability after the pandemic. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires from 160 respondents, including estate managers, supervisors, and supply chain personnel. The study examines the role of technology adoption, supplier relationships, workforce flexibility, risk management practices, and market access in strengthening supply chain resilience. The collected data were analysed using SmartPLS (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling) to validate the conceptual model and assess the significance of hypothesised relationships. The model demonstrated a good fit (SRMR = 0.047, NFI = 0.868), confirming the reliability of the proposed framework. The findings revealed that all five independent variables have a positive and significant impact on supply chain resilience, indicating that digital transformation, strong supplier networks, flexible labor practices, and proactive risk management collectively enhance post-pandemic recovery. This study contributes to the limited literature on supply chain resilience in the Indian plantation sector and provides practical insights for tea estate managers and policymakers. It emphasises the need for modernising the supply chain through technology integration, digital forecasting tools, and workforce development to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
