New Delhi, April 18: The Centre has tightened stock limits on raw jute, directing traders and balers to sell their entire inventory to jute mills in a bid to curb hoarding, stabilise prices, and ensure adequate supply to manufacturers.
The revised norms, issued by the Jute Commissioner Office, come amid a sharp rise in raw jute prices, which have remained above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 2025–26, raising concerns over availability and industry disruption.
Under the new guidelines, all registered raw jute balers must liquidate their full stock by May 5, 2026, with physical delivery to be completed by May 15. Unregistered stockists and balers without pressing facilities are also required to offload their entire holdings. Meanwhile, jute mills and processing units are permitted to maintain stock only up to 45 days of consumption.
To strengthen oversight, all entities must declare and update stock positions fortnightly on the Jute SMART portal. Authorities have been empowered to inspect premises, seize excess inventory, and initiate punitive action in case of violations.
Enforcement will be carried out under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which provides for penalties, confiscation of goods, and action against false declarations. State governments have also been roped in to support compliance measures.
The move aims to address volatility in raw jute prices and prevent supply disruptions that could impact production and employment in the jute sector, while safeguarding the interests of farmers, manufacturers, and consumers.
