Tamil Nadu imposes stock limits on paddy, rice and pulses
Businesses must reduce excess inventories of essential food commodities by November 16 to ensure fair pricing and availability.
The Tamil Nadu government on Friday imposed immediate stock limits on paddy, rice, tur dal and pulses across the state, according to The Hindu. The measures target wholesalers, retailers, rice millers, importers, processors and large retail chains to ensure equitable distribution and availability of food at fair prices.
Under the Tamil Nadu Paddy/Rice (Stock Limit) Control Order, 2026, wholesalers may hold up to 2,000 metric tonne (MT) of paddy or rice. Retailers and big chain retail outlets are permitted a maximum of 8 MT per outlet, with the latter's total stock capped at 8 MT multiplied by their total number of outlets.
Rice millers are restricted to holding stocks not exceeding one month of production capacity, while importers cannot keep imported stocks for more than 45 days from customs clearance. Processors may hold 60 per cent of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the months remaining until January 31, 2027.
For pulses, the Tamil Nadu Tur and Urad Pulses (Storage Control) Order, 2026, allows wholesalers to store 200 MT of each variety and retailers 5 MT. Big chain retailers can hold 5 MT per outlet and 200 MT per depot. Pulse millers may hold the last three months of production or 25 per cent of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher.
Additional Chief Secretary P. Amudha issued the orders under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to maintain supplies and prevent hoarding. Entities holding stocks above the new limits must reduce them by November 16 and must regularly declare their positions on the Department of Consumer Affairs portal.