Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers up in August

Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers in the country (CPI-AL and RL) increased to 9.18 per cent and 9.34 per cent, respectively, in August 2012 from 8.61 per cent and 8.94 per cent in July 2012. 

Inflation based on food index of CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 8.28 per cent and 8.43 per cent, respectively, during August 2012, provisional figures released today showed.

The all-India consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers (base: 1986-87=100) increased by 10 points and 9 points, respectively to 666 points for agricultural labourers and 667 points for rural labourers during August 2012.

The rise in the index varied from state to state. In case of agricultural labourers, it recorded increases varying from 1 to 16 points in 20 states. Maharashtra with 745 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 546 points remained at the bottom.

In the case of rural labourers, the index recorded an increase between 2 and 16 points in the 20 states. Maharashtra with 738 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 571 points stood at the bottom.

The consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers registered the maximum increase of 16 points each due mainly to increase in the prices of wheat atta, bajra, maize, pulses, onion, dry chillies, vegetables and fruits, sugar, gur and leather shoes.

The maximum increase in CPI-AL was reported from Rajasthan in the case of CPI-RL Maharashtra reported the highest increase.