The Centre has doubled its target for rice sales under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS (D)] for the financial year 2026-27 from 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) to 50 LMT to strengthen domestic supplies and keep prices under control. As much as 25 LMT of rice had already been sold to private parties through e-auctions under the scheme up to October 31, 2026, compared with 11 LMT during the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
The decision is part of a series of measures undertaken by the Government to closely monitor rice prices, ensure adequate domestic availability, prevent hoarding and safeguard consumer interests.
Among the other key interventions, the Government has made disclosure of rice and paddy stocks mandatory for all stocking entities across the country. It has also approved the imposition of stock limits by five Southern States, wherever necessary, and announced additional allocations of Bharat Rice through designated agencies to improve market availability.
Mandatory disclosure of rice and paddy stocks
In an order issued on November 6, 2026, the Government directed all traders, wholesalers, retailers, big-chain retailers and processors or millers across States and Union Territories to declare their rice and paddy stock positions.
The mandatory disclosure covers six categories: Basmati Rice, Non-Basmati Premium Rice, Non-Basmati Rice, Parboiled Rice, Broken Rice and Paddy.
All entities stocking these commodities must register and update their stock positions every Friday on the Food Stock Portal (https://foodstock.dfpd.gov.in). They are also required to ensure that the information submitted is accurate and regularly updated.
Entities found unregistered on the portal or violating the prescribed stock limits will be liable for appropriate punitive action under Sections 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Five Southern States permitted to impose stock limits
To ensure adequate availability of rice at reasonable prices, particularly in southern India, the Central Government has conveyed its concurrence to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana to impose stock limits on rice and paddy through appropriate control orders wherever considered necessary.
The stock limits will remain in force until January 31, 2027. Both Central and State Governments will closely monitor their implementation to prevent hoarding and black marketing and maintain adequate supplies in the markets.
Additional Bharat Rice allocation to NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar
The Government has also decided to allocate additional quantities of Bharat Rice to three agencies – the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) and Kendriya Bhandar.
The move aims to expand the availability and sale of Bharat Rice across the country, with particular emphasis on Southern States.
The three agencies have been directed to explore all possible distribution channels to ensure wider reach and easier access to the affordable rice variety for consumers. The additional allocation is expected to strengthen market supplies and help moderate retail prices.
Through these coordinated interventions, the Government aims to maintain sufficient rice supplies, curb speculative stocking and hoarding, stabilise prices and ensure that consumers across the country have access to essential food commodities at reasonable rates.
(PIB)
