Consumer price inflation for India's agricultural and rural labourers rises to 9.63 per cent in May

Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers in the country, based on the consumer price index for agricultural labourers (CPI-AL) and consumer price index for rural labourers (CPI-RL) increased to 9.63 per cent, for both the series, in May 2011, from 9.11 per cent in the previous month.

Inflation based on food index of CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 7.50 per cent and 7.48 per cent, respectively, in May 2011.

The all-India consumer price index for agricultural and rural labourers (base: 1986-87=100) increased by 5 points each to 592 points for both the series in May 2011.

The rise or fall in the index varied from state to state. In the case of agricultural labourers, it recorded an increase of 2 to 11 points in 16 states while it decreased by 2 and 3 points in two states. It, however, remained constant in two states. Haryana with 650 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 479 points stood at the bottom.

In case of rural labourers, the index increased between 1 and 10 points in 17 states and decreased by 3 and 4 points in two states while remaining constant in one state.

Haryana with 645 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 500 points stood at the bottom.

In Maharashtra, the consumer price index for agricultural and rural labourers recorded the maximum increase of 11 points and 10 points, respectively, due to increase in the prices of jowar, bajra, goat meat, milk, dry chillies, vegetables and fruits, gur, country liquor and firewood.

In Haryana, however, the consumer price index for agricultural and rural labourers recorded the highest decrease of 3 points and 4 points, respectively, mainly due to decrease in the prices of wheat atta, onion, turmeric and vegetables and fruits.