Dept. of Consumer Affairs Discusses Draft Rules for Moisture Meters in Cereal Grains and Oilseeds

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has discussed with all stakeholders the draft rules for moisture meters used for measuring moisture level in cereal grains and oilseeds. The amendment aims to incorporate specifications for the moisture meters in measuring moisture levels in cereal grains and oilseeds. The rules will specify the metrological and technical requirements, test methods and maximum permissible errors for the type approval of grain moisture meters used in commercial transactions of cereal grains and oilseeds.

Various manufacturers, users, scientific institutions, laboratories, State Government Legal Metrology Departments and VCOs participated in the meeting, chaired by Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, according to an official release.

What is Moisture Meter?

A moisture meter is a specialised device used to measure the moisture content in various substances, particularly cereal grains and oilseeds in agriculture. It provides accurate readings that are crucial for determining the quality and storage suitability of these commodities.

By measuring moisture levels, farmers and traders can ensure better preservation, reduce risks of spoilage, and maintain optimal conditions for storage and transportation. The proposed inclusion of moisture meters in the Legal Metrology Rules aims to standardise and regulate their accuracy, enhancing fairness and transparency in agricultural trade practices.

The draft rules pertaining to moisture meters were made available for public feedback on May 30, 2024, inviting comments from all stakeholders, by the end of June, 2024.  All the comments received on the draft rules were discussed in detail during the meeting.

At the meeting, all the stakeholders supported the proposed amendment for inclusion of moisture meters used for measuring moisture level in cereal grains and oilseeds. They emphasised the importance of implementing these rules in the best interest of farmers and other stakeholders involved in the agriculture sector.

The Department is also working to bring the rules for regulating Gas Meters (PNG Meters), Energy Meters, Radar Equipment for measurement of the speed of vehicles and Breath Analysers, apart from moisture meters for which public consultation with all stakeholders including manufacturers, users and voluntary consumer organisation is being done.