CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu govt on Friday imposed stock limits on paddy and rice, and capped storage of tur and urad pulses in the state to ensure availability and equitable distribution of the essential commodities at fair prices.Under the Tamil Nadu Paddy/Rice (Stock Limit) Control Order, 2026, the restrictions will remain in force until Jan 31, 2027. Wholesalers will be permitted to hold up to 2,000 metric tonnes of paddy or rice, while retailers can stock up to eight metric tonnes per outlet.Big chain retailers can hold up to eight metric tonnes per outlet, subject to an overall ceiling equivalent to eight times their total number of outlets. Millers have been restricted to stocks equivalent to no more than one month’s production capacity.Importers cannot retain imported stocks for more than 45 days from the date of customs clearance. For processors, the ceiling has been fixed at 60% of monthly installed capacity multiplied by the number of months remaining until January 2027.In a separate notification, the govt issued the Tamil Nadu Tur and Urad Pulses (Storage Control) Order, 2026, which will be effective for three months from Nov 13.For each variety of pulse, wholesalers can hold up to 200 metric tonnes, while retailers can stock up to five metric tonnes. Big-chain retailers can hold five metric tonnes at each outlet and 200 metric tonnes at each depot. For millers, the limit has been fixed at the last three months’ production or 25% of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher. Importers cannot retain imported tur or urad stocks beyond 45 days from customs clearance.Entities holding stocks above the prescribed limits have been directed to bring them within the ceilings by Nov 16. They must also declare their stock positions and update them regularly on the department of consumer affairs’ portal.Both orders, issued by the cooperation, food and consumer protection department under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, came into force with immediate effect.
