The government has revised stock limits for raw jute traders and balers to zero. The move is aimed at ensuring fair distribution of raw jute, preventing hoarding and speculative practices, and improving supply to jute mills. The revised norms apply to stockists, including raw jute balers with baling presses on their premises and those registered with the Jute Commissioner’s Office.
Revised Stock Limit Norms
- Stock limits for raw jute traders and balers have been set at nil.
- Raw jute balers with baling presses on premises will no longer be allowed to hold stock beyond the revised framework.
- Other registered stockists are also covered under the same restrictions.
Mandatory Sale and Delivery Rules
- All raw jute traders and balers must sell their entire stock to jute mills.
- Entities holding stocks above the prescribed limits must sell them by the 5th of the next month.
- Physical delivery of the stocks to consignees must be completed by the 15th of the next month.
Jute SMART Portal Compliance
- All stocking entities must declare and update jute stock positions fortnightly on the Jute SMART portal.
- The portal is used to monitor stock levels and improve transparency in the jute supply chain.
- Regular reporting is intended to reduce market distortions and support enforcement.
Policy Objective and Sector Impact
- The measures are designed to stabilise jute supply across the country.
- They aim to protect the interests of farmers by ensuring smoother procurement and sale.
- The policy also supports jute manufacturers and consumers by reducing artificial shortages and price volatility.