India, April 29 -- In a bid to enhance transparency and check pilferage in the foodgrain supply chain, the Centre has launched a pilot project to affix QR (quick response) codes on wheat bags. The initiative, being tested in Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, allows for real-time tracking of stocks from procurement centres to government godowns and distribution points.

The primary objective is to tackle recycling scams-a long-standing issue where middlemen buy cheap PDS (ration) wheat from beneficiaries and resell it to the government at the higher minimum support price (MSP). By creating a unique digital identity for each bag, the system aims to prevent the same grain from being resold into the procurement cycle. To ensure authentic...