Behind the boom of agricultural supply e-commerce, cold thinking is needed

Agricultural supply e-commerce is undoubtedly one of the most closely watched hot topics at this year's exhibition. Three related forums were held, among which the "Second Agricultural Supply Internet Conference," hosted by the 191 Agricultural Supply People Network, attracted more than 500 participants. From the surging popularity, it is clear enough to see the industry's level of attention to it. In addition, the Second Agricultural Supply E-commerce Singles' Day held by Nongyi.com was even more eye-catching, launching explosive products such as glyphosate (200 grams) at as low as 2.78 yuan per bottle. There were also activities such as the "No. 1 Carnival" held by Nongshang No. 1, adding yet more fuel to the ever-heating agricultural supply e-commerce trend.

At multiple forums held during the exhibition, agricultural supply e-commerce was also the focus of everyone's discussion. Zhang Fukuan, general manager of Nongyi.com, said that the current development of agricultural supply e-commerce faces four difficulties: the cycle for cultivating users' online shopping habits is long, and online payment is difficult; agricultural supplies have special characteristics, and delivery costs are high; due to regional differences in agriculture and the complexity of crop diseases and pests, plant protection services are difficult; and agricultural supply enterprises worry about online-offline conflicts, so their awareness of participation is not strong. "Nevertheless, the internet can integrate industry resources, reshape the circulation market, make information, channels, and marketing flat, and reduce costs. In the future, Nongyi.com will take service as the core to lay out products, the supply chain, and an online-offline interactive ecological chain for rural finance.

In response to doubts about agricultural supply e-commerce, Lei Yanliang, general manager of Jiangsu Hesheng Agricultural Supply Chain Co., Ltd., said that the breakthrough point for agricultural supply e-commerce is to focus on over-the-counter drugs that do not require much technical guidance, such as glyphosate, while the main customer groups of e-commerce in the future will be retailers with prescribing capability and large-scale grain farmers. Many people have a vague concept of agricultural supply e-commerce. In fact, taking consumers as the core is the essence of the internet. E-commerce can transform traditional distribution channels, improve efficiency, and save costs, and that has very great value.

The reporter observed that although e-commerce is extremely popular, many industry insiders still maintain a rational and sober understanding. They expressed similar views to the reporter - to succeed online, the key lies offline. It should not be "internet + agricultural supplies," but rather "agricultural supplies + internet." Agricultural supply enterprises should use the internet as a tool to reduce staff and increase efficiency, increase customer stickiness, and master big data.