Three Internal Check Posts Set Up at Vizag Port to Curb Rice Smuggling

Minister for Civil Supplies, Food and Consumer Affairs Nadendla Manohar announced that three internal check posts have been established in the Visakhapatnam Port area to monitor and prevent the smuggling of rice.

Speaking to the media here on Monday, the Minister stated that check posts have been established at Gajuwaka Gateway CFS, Sheela Nagar; Shravan CFS, Sheela Nagar; and VPL Integral CFS, Pedagantyada. These posts will operate around the clock in three shifts, with 33 staff members already deployed.

Mr. Manohar stated that strict measures are being implemented to prevent the diversion of government-supplied rice. To aid enforcement, the department has introduced 700 mobile rapid kits capable of identifying PDS rice. The testing kits, which contain potassium thiocyanate and hydrochloric acid, can identify fortified rice. When applied, government-supplied fortified rice changes color to red, whereas rice from local markets remains unchanged.

He pointed out that similar efforts at Kakinada Port had yielded positive results, with several vehicles seized and legal action taken in cases of rice trafficking. The same system is now being extended to Visakhapatnam.

The Minister also underlined the government’s commitment to ensuring quality distribution of fortified rice through the Public Distribution System (PDS). So far, 4.42 crore beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh have been issued smart rice cards with QR codes, and 89% of them are currently receiving rice through this system.

Highlighting the government’s crackdown on illegal rice trade, Mr. Manohar said that in the last 14 months, authorities have seized 5.65 lakh quintals of rice worth Rs 245 crore. In comparison, the previous government seized 5.35 lakh quintals over five years. So far, 230 criminal cases have been registered, and investigations are underway.