India, Nov. 14 -- The Tamil Nadu government has imposed stock limits on paddy, rice and pulses to prevent hoarding, ensure fair distribution and maintain the availability of these essential commodities at reasonable prices.

Amid rising prices of rice and other essential commodities, and criticism from the Opposition over the issue, the state government, with the prior approval of the Centre, issued Government Orders specifying stock limits for rice, tur dal and urad dal.

Under the orders, wholesalers can stock up to 2,000 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy and rice, while retailers can hold up to eight tonnes at each outlet.

Mills can hold stocks equivalent to no more than one month's production capacity. For processors, the stock limit has b...