The Chennai port handled the first wheat vessel of the year last week. Pos Harmony, a bulk carrier with 51,209 tonnes of Canadian red wheat arrived in Chennai last week and is discharging the cargo. The vessel will complete the discharge in three to four days.
Another bulk carrier with a similar quantity is expected to arrive in a few days, according to Mr K. Suresh, Chairman, Chennai Port Trust.
The consignment at Chennai was the last batch of 55-lakh tonne import that the State Trading Corporation tendered for import in 2006 from various countries, including Russia, Australia and Canada. Food Corporation of India (FCI) is in charge for the distribution of wheat, said an official.
The Canadian wheat will be distributed across southern region. The cargo is packed in gunny bags inside the port and sent to various destinations by rail.
In 2006-07, Chennai port handled around ten lakh tonnes. But, this fiscal it will handle only a lakh tonnes, Mr Suresh said.
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