Chandigarh, Oct 14 (IANS): To check the rise in prices of pulses and to prevent hoarding, the Haryana government on Wednesday reduced the stock limit of manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers in the state.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar held a meeting here on Wednesday and directed that the stock limit be reduced.

"In case any retailer is found keeping stock of pulses more than the prescribed limit, he will invite action under the Haryana Prevention of Hoarding and Maintenance of Quality Order, 1977," a Haryana government spokesman said here.

"The prescribed stock limit of pulses manufacturers (mills) was 2,000 quintals, which has now been reduced to 1/24th of annual grinding capacity for raw material and 1/48th of nnual grinding capacity for finished material," the spokesman said.

"Similarly, the limit of dealers, including wholesalers, distribution agents and seller agents has been reduced from 500 quintals to 250 quintals and of retailers from 50 quintals to 25 quintals," the spokesman added.

Prices of most pulses have nearly doubled in the past few months.