The All-India Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers for agricultural labourers and rural labourers for March, 2014 increased by 6 points each to stand at 763 points and 765 points respectively. 

The rise/fall in index varied from state to state. In case of agricultural labourers, it recorded an increase between 1 to 17 points in 19 states and a decrease of 4 points in 1 state. Haryana with 847 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 629 points stood at the bottom.

In case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase between 1 to 15 points in 19 states and a decrease of 4 points in 1 state. Haryana with 840 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh State with the index level of 663 points stood at the bottom.

The consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers in respect of Tripura State registered the maximum increase of 17 points and 15 points respectively mainly due to increase in the prices of pulses, mustard oil, fish fresh/dry, eggs, milk, mixed spices, vegetables & fruits, sugar, supari, dhoti cotton mill, saree cotton mill and barber charges.

On the other hand, the consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers in respect of Orissa State registered a decrease of 4 points each mainly due to decrease in the prices of chira, chillies green, vegtable & fruits, pan leaf and aspro.  

Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL increased from 8.14% and 8.27% in February, 2014 to 8.38% and 8.51% in March, 2014. Inflation based on food index of CPI-AL and CPI-RL are 7.55% and 7.53% respectively during March, 2014.