Barley prices hardened by Rs 11.80, or one per cent, to Rs 1,193 per quintal in futures trade today on fresh buying by traders.
Marketmen said rising demand and restricted supply in the physical market prompted speculators to increase their positions in futures market. Heavy buying by beer and cattle-feed makers pushed up the demand for the commodity, they added.
At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, barley prices for September-month contract went up by Rs 11.80 or one per cent, to Rs 1,193 per quintal, with an open interest of 650 lots.
July-month contract delivery also moved up by Rs 5.20, or 0.45 per cent, to Rs 1,154.20 per quintal, with an open interest of 18,670 lots.