CPI for agricultural workers up 11.52 per cent in June

The annual rate of inflation based on the consumer price index numbers for agricultural labourers and rural labourers (CPI-AL) and (CPI-RL) increased from 10.21 per cent in May 2009 for both the series to 11.52 per cent and 11.26 per cent respectively during June 2009. 

The respective rates of inflation during June 2008 were 8.77 per cent and 8.75 per cent.

The all-India consumer price index numbers for agricultural labourers and rural labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) for June 2009 increased by 9 points each to 484 points for both the series.

The rise/fall in index varied from state to state. In the case of agricultural labourers, two states reflected an increase in index between 13 to 18 points; 10 states between 7 to 12 points and seven states between one and six points while the index of one state decreased by one point.

Punjab, with 529 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 419 points stood at the bottom.

In the case of rural labourers, the increase in index ranged between 13 and 17 points in two  states, between 7 and 12  points in 10 states and between one and six points in seven states while the index of one state decreased by two points.

Punjab with 528  points topped the index table whereas Manipur with the index level of 433 points stood at the bottom.

The consumer price index numbers of Assam for agricultural labourers and rural labourers registered the highest increase of 18 and 17 points, respectively, mainly due to increase in the prices of  rice, fish fresh, vegetables and fruits, and firewood. On the other hand, the consumer price index numbers of Jammu & Kashmir for agricultural labourers and rural labourers decreased by one point and two points respectively mainly due to decrease in the prices of wheat atta and maize.