Tamil Nadu imposes stock limits on paddy, rice and pulses
The state government introduced the restrictions to prevent hoarding and ensure the availability of essential commodities at fair prices.
The Tamil Nadu government has imposed stock limits on paddy, rice, tur dal and urad dal to curb hoarding and ensure equitable distribution, according to reports by The Economic Times and Urban Acres.
The orders, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, aim to maintain the availability of these staples at fair prices amid rising costs.
For paddy and rice, wholesalers are permitted to hold 2,000 metric tonnes (MT), while retailers and large retail chains can stock eight MT per outlet. Rice millers are restricted to one month of production capacity, and processors may hold 60 per cent of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the months remaining until January 2027.
Regarding pulses, wholesalers can hold 200 MT of each variety, while retailers and big-chain outlets are limited to five MT. Pulse millers may keep either the previous three months of production or 25 per cent of their annual installed capacity, depending on which figure is greater.
Importers of both rice and pulses are prohibited from holding stocks for more than 45 days after customs clearance. The rice and paddy restrictions will remain in effect until January 31, 2027, while the pulse control order will last for three months.
All concerned entities must declare and update their stock levels on the Department of Consumer Affairs portal. Those holding excess inventory must reduce it to the prescribed limits by November 16, 2026.