Barley prices firmed up by Rs 20.50 to Rs 1,458.50 per quintal in futures trade today after participants accumulated fresh positions amid strong demand at the spot markets.
At the National Commodity and Derivative Exchange, barley for delivery in June contracts hardened by Rs 20.50, or 1.43 per cent, to Rs 1,458.50 per quintal with an open interest of 610 lots.
Barley for the most-active delivery in May contracts was trading higher by Rs 14, or 0.99 per cent, at Rs 1,433 per quintal with an open interest of 12,900 lots.
Marketmen attributed the rise in barley prices at futures market to building up of fresh positions coupled with a firm trend at the physical markets on strong demand amid restricted arrivals from growing belts.