Barley prices dropped by Rs 10 to Rs 1,238 per quintal in futures trading today on profit booking at existing higher levels, driven by a weakening trend at physical markets.
Market analysts said after two day's rise, traders preferred to book profits at existing higher levels.
Also, increased supply along with fall in spot demand at prevailing higher levels, too influenced the trading sentiment, they added.
Poor offtake by alcohol and cattle feed making industries was another dampening factor, analysts said.
At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, barley futures prices for March contract weakened by Rs 10, or 0.80 per cent, to Rs 1,238 per quintal, with an open interest of 1,240 lots.
Likewise, for delivery in April, barley prices went down by Rs 8.80, or 0.71 per cent, to Rs 1,224.40 per quintal, with a business turnover of 3,240 lots.
Barley prices for delivery in March dropped by Rs 7, or 0.54 per cent, to Rs 1,282 per quintal, with an open interest of 1,150 lots.