Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers down in March

The inflation rate based on the consumer price index for agricultural and rural labourers decreased from 16.45 per cent in February 2010 for both the series to 15.77 per cent and 15.52 per cent, respectively, in March 2010.

The respective rates of inflation for the two series during March 2009 were 9.46 per cent and 9.69 per cent, respectively.

The all-India consumer price index for agricultural and rural labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) decreased by 2 points each to 536 points each as of March 2010.

The rise or fall in the index varied from state to state, an official release said.

In the case of agricultural labourers, it recorded a decrease between 1 and 8 points in 14 states, remained constant in two states and increased between 1 and 4 points in four states. Haryana with 608 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 457 points stood at the bottom.

In case of rural labourers, the index decreased by 1 to 7 points in 13 states, remained constant in four states and increased between 1 and 3 points in three states. Haryana with 603 points topped the index table whereas Manipur with the index level of 459 points stood at the bottom.

CPI numbers for agricultural and rural labourers of Jammu & Kashmir registered the maximum decrease of  8 and 7  points respectively, mainly due to decrease in the prices of rice, wheat atta, maize, pulses, onion, vegetables and fruits, sugar and knitted garments.

On the other hand, the CPI for agricultural and rural labourers in Tripura recorded the highest increase of 4 and 3 points, respectively, mainly due to increase in the prices of poultry, fish fresh, vegetables and fruits, tea readymade and pan leaf.