Even while the country has ample supply of wheat to meet the requirement of public distribution system, other welfare schemes, and market interventions, the Centre said it has tightened norms that govern wheat stock-holding.
On Tuesday, the government said it has restricted the amount of wheat that can be held by wholesalers, small and big chain retailers, and processors in what it terms as a “continuous process” to curb hoarding and check price rise, especially before the upcoming festive season.
"As part of continuous efforts to moderate prices of wheat before the upcoming festive season, the central government has decided to revise the wheat stock limit applicable until 31st March 2026," the food ministry said in a statement.
According to the revised norms, wholesalers are allowed to maintain wheat stock of up to 2,000 tonnes instead of 3,000 tonnes; retailers can hold 8 tonnes for each outlet instead of 10 tonnes; while big chain retailers can hold eight tonnes for each outlet instead of 10 tonnes.
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Processors will only be allowed to maintain 60 per cent of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the remaining months of this fiscal year, instead of the previously-allowed 70 per cent.
So far this year, the government has revised wheat stock limits twice: first on February 20, when it reduced limits to 250 tonnes for traders and four tonnes per retail outlet; and then on May 27, when it increased limits to 3,000 tonnes for traders and 10 tonnes per retail outlet, with the latest order being valid until March 31, 2026.
The country achieved a record wheat production of 117.50 million tonnes in 2024-25 crop year and procurement of 30.03 million tonnes in the 2025-26 marketing year.
Earlier, on June 12, 2023, the Centre had initially imposed stock limits that were effective till March 31, 2024, with further revisions on June 24, September 9, and December 11, 2024 – all aimed at stabilising prices and curbing hoarding.
In its Tuesday notification, the ministry said all wheat stocking entities are required to register on the wheat stock limit portal (https://foodstock.dfpd.gov.in) and update the stock position every Friday, failing which they will be subject to suitable punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Additionally, if the stocks held by entities are higher than the prescribed limit, they have been asked to bring the quantity to the prescribed stock limits within 15 days of the issue of the notification.
The food ministry also said it is maintaining a close watch over the stock position of wheat to control prices and ensure easy availability in the country.
India partners with WFP to supply 200k tonnes of fortified rice to crisis-hit zones
The Indian government has signed a pact with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to supply up to 200,000 metric tonnes of fortified rice from Food Corporation of India (FCI) warehouses for humanitarian needs.
The Letter of Intent (LoI), which was signed on August 25, 2025, will be executed over the next five years and is aimed at fulfilling the food and nutritional requirements of the most vulnerable populations in crisis zones globally.
“By sourcing rice from India, WFP will utilise the resources of an agricultural surplus nation to deliver life-saving aid and make tangible progress against hunger,” WFP said in a statement.
Sanjeev Chopra, secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution in the Government of India, said India is committed to the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family – and to collective responsibility towards each other and a shared future.
“The country’s humanitarian support for communities in need, facing food insecurity, is part of this approach,” Chopra said.
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