Tamil Nadu govt imposes stock limits on paddy, rice and pulses amid price rise

Chennai witnessed the Tamil Nadu government implementing stock limits on paddy, rice, and pulses in response to soaring prices of these essential commodities. The move, aimed at preventing hoarding and ensuring fair distribution, was made under the prior approval of the Centre.

Under the government orders, wholesalers are permitted to store a maximum of 2,000 metric tonnes of paddy and rice, while retailers can hold up to eight tonnes of each commodity per outlet. Millers, on the other hand, are restricted to holding no more than one month's production capacity of paddy and rice.

For pulses, including tur dal and urad dal, the government set a stock limit of 200 metric tonnes for wholesalers of each variety. Retailers were allowed to keep up to five tonnes each of tur and urad dal. Millers could hold up to the production from the last three months or 25% of their annual installed capacity, whichever is greater.

The importers of rice and pulses were instructed not to retain any imported stock for more than 45 days after customs clearance. The stock control order will remain in effect until January 31, 2027, for rice and three months for pulses.

Entities involved with the storage of these commodities are mandated to regularly declare and update their stock positions on the Department of Consumer Affairs' portal. Failure to comply with the prescribed limits by November 16, 2026, will necessitate reducing stocks to the allowed levels.