Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers decline in September

Consumer price inflation based on the all-India consumer price index for agricultural and rural labourers (CPI-AL) and (CPI-RL) declined to 9.13 per cent and 9.34 per cent in September 2010 from 9.65 per cent and 9.66 per cent, respectively, in August 2010.

The comparative rates for the two stood at 13.19 per cent and 12.97 per cent, respectively, during September 2009.

The all-India consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) increased by 5 and 6 points, respectively, in September 2010 to reach 562 points for both the series.

The increase or decline in the index varied from state to state. In case of agricultural labourers, it recorded an increase between 1 and 15 points in 18 states and a decrease of 2 points in 1 state while it remained stationary in one state. Haryana with 636 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 486 points stood at the bottom.

In case of rural labourers, it recorded an increase between 1 and 16 points in 18 states and a decrease of 2 points in one state while it remained stationary in one state.  Haryana with 631 points topped the index table whereas Tripura with the index level of 491 points stood at the bottom.

The consumer price index numbers for agricultural and  rural labourers in respect of  West Bengal registered the maximum increase of 15 and 16 points, respectively, mainly due to increase in the prices of rice, wheat atta, mustard oil, onion, vegetables and fruits and firewood. On the other hand, the consumer price index numbers for agricultural labourers and rural labourers in Maharashtra decreased by 2 points each, mainly due to decrease in the prices of rice, pulses, fish fresh, vegetables, fruits and sugar.