Barley prices gained Rs 20.40 to Rs 1,258.60 per quintal in futures trading today following covering up of pending long positions by speculators, driven by a better trend at spot markets.
Market analysts said traders preferred to cover their pending positions, after yesterday's steep fall, which pushed up the barley prices in futures.
Pick-up in demand from alcohol and cattle-feed making industries also helped in boosting the trading sentiments, they added.
At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, barley prices for delivery in June recovered by Rs 20.40, or 1.65%, to Rs 1,258.60 per quintal, with an open interest of 610 lots.
Barley for delivery in April improved by Rs 10.80, or 0.94%, to Rs 1,156.80 per quintal, with an open interest of 3,430 lots.
Similarly, prices for delivery in May gained Rs 9, or 0.74%, at Rs 1,219.60 per quintal, with an open interest of 12,230 lots.