Centre has directed all traders, wholesalers, Big Chain Retailers and processors across all States and Union Territories to declare their stock positions of rice and paddy. Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ministry said that all entities stocking rice and paddy are required to disclose their stock positions every Friday on the Food Stock Portal and ensure that the information furnished is accurate and regularly updated.

The Ministry said that any entity found unregistered on the portal or violating the prescribed stock limits will be liable for appropriate punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act. It said, the government is closely monitoring food grain prices, particularly rice, and undertaking a series of policy interventions to ensure adequate domestic supplies, maintain price stability, prevent hoarding and safeguard consumer interests.

With a view to ensuring the availability of rice to consumers at reasonable prices, particularly in the Southern States, Centre has conveyed its concurrence to the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana to impose stock limits on paddy and rice. These stock limits shall remain in force up to 31st January next year. Central government has also doubled the target quantity of rice for sale through e-auction under the Open Market Sale Scheme for 2026-27. It has been increased from 25 lakh metric tonnes to 50 lakh metric tonnes.