Business · India Bureau
Centre mandates rice stock disclosures as prices surge across India
The central government has directed all rice traders, millers and retailers nationwide to declare their stocks to combat rising prices amid monsoon shortfalls. Five southern states have been authorized to impose stockpiling limits to prevent hoarding.
LSN India ·
New Delhi — The government on Friday issued a comprehensive directive requiring traders, wholesalers, retailers, processors and millers across India to disclose their rice and paddy inventories, citing concerns over elevated prices driven by erratic monsoon patterns. The order, dated November 6, seeks to establish greater transparency in the rice supply chain and curb potential hoarding. All commercial entities holding rice stocks must register on the government's Food Stock Portal and update their inventory details weekly, categorized across six types: Basmati rice, non-Basmati premium rice, non-Basmati rice, parboiled rice, broken rice and paddy. The Ministry of Food and Public Distribution said every unit is required to submit updated information every Friday through the online portal at foodstock.dfpd.gov.in. Non-compliance or failure to register carries penalties under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, with violations prosecutable under Sections 6 and 7 of the legislation. In a parallel move, the Centre has authorized five southern states—including Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka—to impose stock limits on rice traders and retailers to further restrict hoarding and stabilize local markets. The dual approach reflects government efforts to balance supply chain monitoring with targeted regional interventions as India grapples with commodity price pressures following deficient and uneven monsoon rains.