Barley higher in futures trade on spot demand

Barley prices strengthened by Rs.20.50 to Rs.1,445 per quintal in future trading today as participants enlarged positions, supported by a firming trend in spot markets.
At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, barley for delivery in August month contracts hardened by Rs.20.50, or 1.44 per cent to Rs.1,445 per quintal, with an open interest of 700 lots.
On the similar lines, most-active September month contracts rose Rs.14, or 0.97 per cent to Rs.1,460 per quintal, having an open interest of 8,300 lots.
Marketmen said speculative positions built up by participants on the back of strong demand in the spot markets from consuming industries, mainly influenced barley prices at futures trade here.