The Indian Ministry of Textiles has announced a drastic measure to combat rising raw jute prices by implementing a zero stock limit for traders and balers. This decision comes after prices remained above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the 2025-26 season. All stockholders, including those not registered with the Jute Commissioner’s office, must sell their existing stocks by May 15, 2026. Jute mills, however, are permitted to hold stocks for up to 45 days of their consumption. The ministry emphasized that the volatility in raw jute prices and its non-availability could disrupt the jute industry and threaten employment. To enforce compliance, all entities holding jute stocks are required to declare their stock positions bi-weekly on the Jute SMART portal. Inspections will be conducted, and penalties under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 will be enforced for non-compliance, including confiscation of excess stocks and fines for false declarations.