Centre revises wheat stock limits to curb hoarding

The Centre has revised wheat stock limits across the country in a bid to stabilise prices and check hoarding, with the new norms set to remain in force until March 31 next year.

Officials said the move was designed to ensure transparency in the food supply chain and to prevent artificial scarcity of wheat. They added that regular online updates of stock positions would allow close monitoring and timely corrective action wherever necessary.

The amendment replaces provisions of the May 27 order and lays down specific ceilings for traders, retailers, big chain outlets and processors.

Traders and wholesalers can now hold a maximum of 2,000 metric tonnes, while retailers have a cap of eight metric tonnes per outlet. Big chain retailers are permitted the same limit per outlet, subject to a total cap based on the number of their establishments.

For processors, the permissible limit has been fixed at 60 per cent of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the remaining months of the current financial year. The government has made it mandatory for all entities to declare their wheat stock levels on the official portal foodstock.dfpd.gov.in.

Those holding quantities above the prescribed ceiling will have to bring stocks down to the permitted level within 15 days of the notification.