New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Central Government has implemented a decrease in the stock limits for jute traders and balers in response to a significant surge in jute prices over the past few months, which are currently exceeding the minimum support price (MSP) for 2025-26, as stated in an official announcement made on Tuesday.

The alteration in stock limits aims to curb hoarding and speculative trading practices related to raw jute. This initiative is designed to enhance the availability of jute in the market, thereby stabilizing prices to safeguard the interests of workers, according to the statement.

The stock limits have been revised in accordance with the provisions of the Jute and Jute Textiles Control Order, 2016.

This adjustment comes as a result of the substantial increase in jute prices in recent months, which have surpassed the minimum support price (MSP) for 2025-26.

The instability in prices and speculative increases pose a risk to the jute industry, potentially disrupting production and employment within the sector. The measures are intended to stabilize jute supply, prevent market manipulation, and protect the interests of farmers, manufacturers, and consumers nationwide, as per the statement.

Under the newly established limits, raw jute balers with baling presses on-site can store a maximum of 1,200 quintals at any given time, while other stockists (excluding balers) may store only a maximum of 25 quintals.

Raw jute traders who have not registered with the office of the Jute Commissioner can only stock a maximum of 5 quintals.

The stock limit for jute mills has been set to the equivalent of up to 45 days’ consumption based on current production rates.

According to regulatory guidelines, all stocking entities must declare and update their jute stock positions every two weeks on the Jute SMART portal (http://jutecomm.gov.in/JuteSmart.html).

Entities holding stocks that exceed the stipulated limits are required to reduce their inventory within 10 days from the issuance of the order, physically deliver the surplus to consignees, and submit compliance reports with relevant documentation to the Jute Commissioner’s Office by February 10, 2026.

For raw jute stored on a single premise under different traders/stockists/balers, the total quantity on that premise must adhere to the declared limits.

Officials are authorized to inspect premises and records, and to confiscate excess stocks found in violation of this order.

Requests have also been directed to respective State Governments to assist in enforcing actions against entities hoarding raw jute.

Enforcement actions under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 will be initiated against any entity found violating the instructions regarding stock position declarations or limits, according to the regulations.

Penalties for violating the stock control order are outlined under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Furthermore, the provisions for confiscation due to violations of the order are defined under Section 6, and penalties for false statements are stated under Section 9 of the Act.