Tamil Nadu imposes stock limits on paddy, rice and pulses
The state government issued orders to curb hoarding and manage rising prices of essential commodities with central concurrence.
The Tamil Nadu government has introduced stock limits on rice, paddy and pulses to prevent hoarding and ensure fair prices for consumers, according to The Economic Times. The move comes amid rising prices for these essential goods and criticism from the opposition towards the TVK regime.
Under the new orders, wholesalers may stock up to 2,000 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy and rice, while retailers are limited to eight tonnes per outlet. Millers are permitted to hold stock equivalent to one month of their production capacity.
For processors, the limit is set at 60 per cent of the Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) multiplied by the months remaining until January 2027. Regarding tur dal and urad dal, wholesalers are capped at 200 MT per variety, while retailers can hold up to five tonnes each.
Millers handling pulses 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 are prohibited from holding stocks for more than 45 days after customs clearance.
The stock control order for pulses will last for three months, while the rice limit remains in effect until January 31, 2027. Entities must report their stock levels on the Department of Consumer Affairs portal.
Those currently holding stocks above the permitted levels have been instructed to reduce them to the prescribed limits by November 16, 2026.