The government on Monday exempted importers of pulses from stock limits. It also relaxed the norms for millers and wholesalers in view of softening of prices of key pulses in the country. 

Now, the stock limits would be applicable only on Tur, Urad, Gram and Masoor for a period up to October 31, it said. 

However, these entities would continue to declare their stocks on the web portal of the Department of Consumer Affairs, it added. A revised order in this regard has been notified. 

“It has been decided that importers of pulses will be exempted from stock limits and shall continue to declare stocks of pulses on the portal (fcainfoweb.nic.in) of the Department of Consumer Affairs,” according to an official statement. 

For wholesalers, the stock limit will be 500 tonnes, provided that it should not be more than 200 tonnes of one variety. For millers, the limit will be the six months’ production or 50 per cent of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher. For retailers, the stock limit remains the same at 5 tonnes. 

In case the stocks held by them are higher than the prescribed limits, they should bring them to the prescribed stock limits within 30 days of issue of this notification, dated July 19. 

“This relaxation for millers will have a down-streaming effect in terms of giving an assurance to farmers at this critical juncture of Kharif sowing of Tur and Urad,” the statement said. 

The move comes amid several representations from associations of pulse traders against the government’s earlier order with regard to stock limits on pulses. 

On June 2, the government had imposed stock limits on all pulses, except Moong, held by wholesalers, retailers, importers and millers till October to prevent hoarding and check price rise.