Centre imposes stock limits on wheat

Chennai:The Centre has imposed stock limits on wheat for traders, wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers and processors in order to keep prices stable. The limit will be in effect till March 31, 2025.

As per the decision, traders and wholesalers will have a limit of 3000 metric tonnes. Retailers can have up to 10 metric tonnes for each of the retail outlets. Big chain retailers can hold 10 MT for each outlet and 3000 MT at all their depots. In the case of processors, they can hold 70 per cent of Monthly Installed Capacity multiplied by the remaining months of FY 2024-25.

The entities will have to declare the stock position and update them regularly on the portal of the Department of Food and Public Distribution. In case the stock held by them is higher than the prescribed limit, then they have to bring the same to the prescribed stock limits within 30 days of issue of Monday's notification.

According to the government, the decision was taken to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation. The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2024 has been issued with immediate effect from Monday and will be applicable until March 31, 2025 for all states and union territories.