Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers up in August

Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers in the country increased to 9.52 per cent and 9.71 per cent, respectively, in August against 9.03 per cent for both the series in July.

Inflation based on the index of food articles for CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 7.09 per cent and 6.89 per cent, respectively in August 2011.

The all-India consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) increased by 6 points each to 610 points for both the series.

The rise in the index varied from state to state. In the case of agricultural labourers, it recorded an increase between 1 and 12 points in 20 states. Haryana with 676 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 497 points stood at the bottom.

In the case of rural labourers, the index recorded an increase between 2 and 12 points in 20 states. Haryana with 670 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 520 points stood at the bottom.

Consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers in West Bengal registered the maximum increase of 12 points each, mainly due to increase in the prices of rice, onion, chillies green, vegetables and fruits and saree (handloom).