Barley futures spurt on strong spot demand

Barley prices firmed up by Rs 28.50 to Rs 1,579.50 per quintal in futures trading today after participants created speculative positions supported by a firming trend at the spot markets.
At the National Commodity and Derivative Exchange, barley for delivery in June climbed Rs 28.50, or 1.84 per cent to Rs 1,579.50 per quintal, with an open interest of 380 lots.
Also, delivery in April flared up by Rs 21, or 1.41 per cent to Rs 1,515 per quintal, having an open interest of 2,140 lots, while May contracts hardened by Rs 15.50, or 1.02 per cent to Rs 1,540 per quintal, in an open interest of 19,100 lots.

Marketmen said a firming trend at the physical markets following strong demand from beer makers against tight supplies mainly influenced barley prices at futures trade.