Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers hits double-digit levels

The annual rate of inflation based on the consumer price index for agricultural labourers and rural labourers (CPI-AL) and (CPI-RL) increased to 10.31 per cent and 10.47 per cent, respectively, in November 2012 from 9.85 per cent and 9.84 per cent in October 2012. 

Inflation based on food index of CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 9.80 per cent and 9.95 per cent, respectively, during November 2012.

The all-India consumer price index numbers for agricultural labourers and rural labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) for November 2012 increased by 5 points each to 685 points for agricultural labourers and 686 points for rural labourers.

The rise/fall in index varied from state to state. In case of agricultural labourers, it recorded an increase varying between 1 and 14 points in 17 states and a decrease between 1 and 3 point in three states. Maharashtra with 763 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 559 points stood at the bottom.

In the case of rural labourers, it recorded an increase between 2 and 13 points in 17 states and a decrease between 2 and 3 point in two states. It, however, remained stationary in one state. Maharashtra with 757 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 586 points stood at the bottom.

The consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers in Karnataka recorded the maximum increase of 14 points and 13  points, respectively, mainly due to increase in the prices of jowar, ragi, meat goat, fish fresh, onion, mixed spices, vegetables and fruits, gur, pan leaf and tea readymade.

On the  other hand, the consumer price index for agricultural and rural  labourers in Uttar Pradesh recorded the maximum decrease of 3 points each due to decline in the prices of rice, bajra, milk, fish fresh, chillies dry/green, vegetables and fruits, sugar and gur.