Marketmen players said apart from covering-up of pending short positions by speculators, a firm trend at the spot markets attributed the rise in maize prices at futures trade here.
At the National Commodity and Derivative Exchange, maize to be delivered in most-active August contracts improved by Rs 16 or 1.17 per cent to Rs 1,382 per quintal, having an open interest of 12,820 lots.
Maize for delivery in current month contracts also showed some strength and gained Rs 15 or 1.11 per cent to Rs 1,372 per quintal, open interest stood at 4,030 lots.