Consumer price inflation for agricultural, rural labourers rises in October

The consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers (CPI-AL and CPI-RL) based on the all-India consumer price index for agricultural and rural labourers increased to 13.73 per cent and 13.51 per cent in October 2009 from 13.19 per cent and 12.97 per cent, respectively, in September 2009.

The rates of inflation during October 2008 were 11.14 per cent for both the series.

The all-India consumer price index for agricultural and rural labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) for October 2009 increased by 7 points each to stand at 522 points for agricultural labourers and 521 points for rural labourers, a government release said.

The rise in index varied from state to state. In the case of agricultural labourers, four states showed an increase in index between 11 and 15 points; seven states between 6 and 10 points and nine states between 1 and 5  points. Punjab with 579 points topped the index table whereas Manipur with the index level of 445 points stood at the bottom.

In the case of rural labourers, the increase in index ranged between 11 and 13 points in four states, between 6 and 10  points in eight states and between 1 and 5 points in eight states. Punjab with 579 points again topped the index table whereas Manipur with the index level of 446 points stood at the bottom.

The consumer price index numbers of Uttar Pradesh for agricultural labourers and rural labourers recorded the highest increase of 15 and 13 points, respectively, mainly due to an increase in the prices of rice, wheat atta, pulses, onion, turmeric and vegetables and fruits, the release added.