Context: In a major boost to India's rice exports, a consignment has been shipped from the Kakinada deep-water port in Andhra Pradesh.

Background

• The Andhra Pradesh government had granted approval for the use of Kakinada deep-water port for rice exports as the adjourning anchorage port was facing congestion problems as demand for rice from India has seen a sharp spike in the current financial year (2020-21).

About Kakinada Port

• Kakinada Port is located at Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) off the east coast of India.
• It is 170 km south of Visakhapatnam Port.
• Kakinada Port is a large complex comprising Kakinada Anchorage Port, Kakinada Deep Water Port, Kakinada Fishing Harbour and Ship-Breaking Unit.
• Kakinada Anchorage Port has a century-long tradition.
• Kakinada forms the main gateway port for the rich agricultural belt of East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna Districts of Andhra Pradesh.
• Kakinada Deep Water Port is an all-weather port with a channel depth of 12 meters.