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Centre launches QR codes on wheat bags in Punjab pilot to curb pilferage; arhtiyas resist
The Centre announced a pilot to affix QR codes on wheat bags to track stocks from procurement centres to government godowns and distribution points, with testing in Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The system uses a GPS-enabled app to log time and location of each scan, aiming to prevent fraud, while Punjab arhtiyas have opposed participation, citing increased workload without compensation.
Why It Matters
If successful, the project could increase transparency and reduce recycling scams in the foodgrain supply chain; however, it faces logistical challenges and pushback from key stakeholders in Punjab.
Timeline
5 Events
Operational challenges and expectations
April 29, 2026
Estimates suggest scanning will take more than twice the time compared with manual processes, potentially slowing truck movement during peak seasons, and concerns were raised about tag durability under market conditions; damaged bags with codes will be stored separately rather than rejecting entire consignments.
Arhtiya resistance in Punjab; meeting with CM Bhagwant Mann
April 29, 2026
Punjab arhtiya association president Vijay Kalra said they refused to put QR codes on bags, telling the state government the process doubles workload without compensation; they cited a recent meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Objective: curb recycling scams in foodgrain supply
April 29, 2026
Officials say the primary objective is to tackle recycling scams where cheap PDS wheat is resold to the government at higher MSP, by creating a digital identity for each bag to stop re-entry into the procurement cycle.
QR codes linked to GPS-enabled app to log scans
April 29, 2026
Each bag is assigned a unique QR code linked to a GPS-enabled app that records the exact time and location of every scan to prevent data manipulation, and the code carries data such as the mandi of origin and lot identification.
Pilot project launched to tag wheat bags with QR codes
April 29, 2026
The Centre announced the launch of a pilot project to affix QR codes on wheat bags to enable real-time tracking of stocks from procurement centres to government godowns and distribution points, with testing in Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.