The center also tightens the wheat stock limit for wholesalers, retailers and processors
On Wednesday, the government also tightened the rules for holding wheat stocks at wholesalers, small and large traders, and processors to prevent hoarding and check price increases.
“As part of ongoing efforts to reduce wheat prices, the central government has decided to revise the wheat stock limit effective until March 31, 2025,” the Ministry of Food said in a statement.
According to the revised norms, wholesalers are allowed to keep wheat stock up to 1,000 tons instead of 2,000 tons, a wholesaler can hold 5 tons per place instead of 10 tons, while a large seller can hold 5 tons per place instead of 10. tons before.
Processors will be allowed to store 50 percent instead of 60 percent of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the remaining months until April 2025.
Wheat stock restrictions were first set on June 24 and later revised to tighten norms on September 9 to control overall food security and prevent hoarding and irrational speculation.
The ministry said all wheat stock organizations must register on the wheat stock limit portal (and update stock status every Friday.
If the stocks held by the organizations are more than the prescribed limit, they must bring the amount to the prescribed stock limits within 15 days of issuing the notice.
Any business found not registered on the portal or violating stock restrictions will be subject to appropriate punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The food ministry is closely monitoring the status of wheat to control prices and ensure easy availability in the country.
