Wheat Traders, Processors Upset Over Frequent Inspections for Enforcing Stocking Norms: Report

Multiple visits being carried out by authorities to wheat flour mills, wholesale stores, and retail units in the name of inspection to ensure compliance with stock-holding limits have become a major irritant for those at the receiving end, according to The Hindu BusinessLine.

The government on December 8 tightened the stocking norms for retailers, wholesalers, and processors. According to these norms, any retail outlet, including big chains at the retail outlet level, can stock up to five tonnes of wheat limit, as against the earlier 10-tonne ceiling. In the case of traders and wholesalers, as well as big chain retailers at depot level, the limit has been cut from 2,000 tonnes to 1,000 tonnes.

The government has said in the case of processors of atta and other flour products like sooji and maida, the maximum capacity will be 70% of the monthly installed capacity of the mills multiplied by four, which is the remaining months of 2023-24.

The Union food ministry has made it clear to all stakeholders involved to adhere to their respective stocking limits by January 6, 2024, in case the stocks held by them are higher than the restricted limits. Additionally, wheat stocking entities have been instructed to register themselves on the wheat stock limit portal and update the stock position every Friday.

There is speculation that the government may ease existing norms depending on the reduction in supplies available in the market eventually with the start of a new season in April. The government’s easing of norms may first benefit processors from February to enable them to stock more as produce from the new crop starts arriving in the market from mid-February.

While the relaxation in norms may come later, those affected by inspections suggest authorities concerned first gather inputs and then send officials for inspection. Some of the mill owners and traders are said to have conveyed the same to officials.

This article has been republished from The Wire.