Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Centre Moves to Ease Rice Export Bottlenecks, Proposes Green Channel
Farmers grow food like rice, fruits, and vegetables.
Some of this food is sent to other countries to be sold.
But sending food to other countries can be slow and difficult.
Ships that carry the food sometimes have to wait a long time at ports.
Shipping companies also charge extra money, which hurts the people selling the food.
The government of India met with people who export food.
They decided to make a special fast lane called a 'Green Channel' at two big ports: Mumbai and Mundra.
The Green Channel will help food get on ships quickly so it stays fresh.
This helps farmers earn money and gives people in other countries fresh Indian food.
The Central Government proposed a dedicated 'Green Channel' at Mumbai and Mundra ports for faster export of perishable agricultural commodities.
Union Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar met exporter representatives through APEDA and directed immediate action on rice export difficulties.
Rice exporters face problems securing vessel berthing; special berthing arrangements were ordered at Kandla and Visakhapatnam ports.
HPEA Vice-President Vikas Singh flagged financial losses from excessive penalties and charges imposed by major shipping companies.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev approved forming a committee of senior port officials, an APEDA director, and an HPEA representative for the initiative.
- Who
- Union Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, and representatives of rice and horticulture exporter associations.
- What
- The government proposed a dedicated 'Green Channel' at Mumbai and Mundra ports to speed up perishable agricultural exports and address rice export bottlenecks, including berthing difficulties.
- When
- The article does not specify an exact date; the meeting was reported recently with a Nashik dateline.
- Where
- India, involving the Mumbai and Mundra ports, with officials from Kandla, Visakhapatnam and Tuticorin ports also present.
- Why
- To reduce delays, excessive penalties and charges imposed by shipping companies, and to protect farmers' incomes by ensuring perishable produce reaches international markets on time.
- Union Shipping Secretary
- Vijay Kumar
- APEDA Chairman
- Abhishek Dev
- Green Channel ports
- Mumbai and Mundra
- Rice berthing action
- Special berthing arrangements at Kandla and Visakhapatnam ports
- Perishable exports issue
- Excessive penalties and charges by major shipping companies
- HPEA Vice-President
- Vikas Singh
- All India Rice Exporters Association President
- Satish Goyal
- DG Shipping directive
- Convene a separate meeting with major shipping lines