Has the Inflation Burden Eased for India’s Farmers and Rural Workers in September?
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Synopsis
New data reveals a decrease in inflation for agricultural and rural workers in India, highlighting a potential easing of economic pressures. With the Consumer Price Index showing significant drops in September, this update is crucial for stakeholders in the agricultural sector and rural economy. What does this mean for the future of India's rural workforce?
Key Takeaways
- Inflation for agricultural labourers is at -0.07% in September.
- Rural labourers recorded an inflation rate of 0.31%.
- Consumer Price Index for agricultural labourers decreased to 136.23.
- Consumer Price Index for rural labourers fell to 136.42.
- Changes in methodology improve the robustness of inflation calculations.
New Delhi, Oct 18 (NationPress) The year-on-year inflation rate for agricultural labourers and rural workers was recorded at -0.07 percent and 0.31 percent, respectively, in September, according to data released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Saturday.
The All-India Consumer Price Index for agricultural labourers saw a decline of 0.11 points, settling at 136.23, while the index for rural workers fell by 0.18 points, reaching 136.42.
The Food Index experienced a decrease of 0.47 points for agricultural labourers and 0.58 points for rural workers in September, as per the data.
The Labour Bureau disclosed the Consumer Price Index figures for agricultural and rural labourers, using the base year 2019=100 for the month of September.
These indices are compiled from data gathered from 787 sample villages across 34 states/UTs.
The revised series significantly broadens the scope and coverage, incorporating numerous methodological changes to enhance the robustness of the indices. For instance, the weighting diagrams (share of expenditure to total expenditure) have been updated due to altered consumption patterns.
The Geometric Mean is now utilized instead of the Arithmetic Mean, as it helps moderate price volatility, along with the latest classification of consumption according to purpose, aligning with the Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP)-2018.
Simultaneously, India’s annual inflation rate based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) has decreased to 0.13 percent in September, down from 0.52 percent in August, according to figures from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The nation’s inflation rate, as indicated by the consumer price index (CPI), has dropped to an over eight-year low of 1.54 percent in September this year, compared to the same month last year, as food and fuel prices saw a decline during the month.
Point of View
I believe that the recent reports on inflation easing for agricultural and rural workers is a positive development. It reflects changing economic dynamics which could provide relief to a significant portion of India's population. The emphasis on robust data collection and updated methodologies enhances the credibility of these figures, positioning them as a reliable indicator of economic health.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the inflation rate for agricultural labourers in September?
The inflation rate for agricultural labourers in September was -0.07 percent.
How much did the Consumer Price Index decrease for rural labourers?
The Consumer Price Index for rural labourers decreased by 0.18 points, reaching 136.42.
What changes were made to the Consumer Price Index methodology?
The revised methodology includes updates to weighting diagrams and the use of the Geometric Mean to moderate price volatility.
What is the current CPI for agricultural labourers?
The current CPI for agricultural labourers is 136.23 after a decrease of 0.11 points.
What does the decrease in inflation signify for rural workers?
The decrease in inflation may indicate easing economic pressures and potential relief for rural workers and farmers.
