Barley prices rose by 0.72 per cent to Rs 1,252 per quintal in futures trading as speculators widened positions amid a firming trend at the spot markets.
At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, barley for delivery in November improved by Rs 9, or 0.72 per cent, to Rs 1,252 per quintal and open interest stood of 6,820 lots.
Also, October contracts shot up by Rs 7.50, or 0.63 per cent, to Rs 1,206 per quintal, in an open interest of 15,080 lots.
Marketmen said pick-up in demand from beer and consuming industries amid a firming trend at physical markets, mainly led to rise in barley prices in futures trade.