Spot demand lifts barley over 2%

Higher offtake from beer and cattle-feed makers, fall in arrivals propel prices

Barley prices rose 2.20 per cent to Rs 1,325.50 per quintal in futures trading today, mostly on the back of a firming trend at the physical markets.

At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, barley for delivery in November contracts surged Rs 28.50, or 2.20 per cent, to Rs 1,325.5 per quintal with an open interest of 720 lots.

The October contract surged Rs 18.50, or 1.53 per cent, to Rs 1,227.50 per quintal in an open interest of 12,800 lots.

Marketmen said strong demand particularly from beer and cattle-feed makers amid fall in arrivals mainly attributed the rise in barley prices at futures trade here.