Barley up 2.5% on fresh buying

Supported by a pick up in demand against fall in supply, barley prices hardened by Rs 35.50 at Rs 1,404 per quintal in futures trading as speculators enlarged positions.

At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, barley prices for most-active April month contracts delivery gained Rs 35.50, or 2.59 per cent, to Rs 1,404 per quintal, in an open interest of 2,600 lots.

The delivery in January month contracts also moved up by Rs 27.50, or 1.97 per cent, to Rs 1,423 per quintal with an open interest of 550 lots.

Marketmen said pick up in demand and fall in supply in physical markets mainly attributed the rise here in barley prices.