Consumer Price Index for Agricultural and Rural Labourers Declines
The Labour Bureau, part of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for Agricultural Labourers (AL) and Rural Labourers (RL) for December 2025. The data, collected from 787 sample villages across 34 States and Union Territories, reveals a slight decrease in the CPI numbers for both categories, reflecting ongoing trends in inflation and cost of living for these labour groups.
Latest CPI Figures
For December 2025, the All-India CPI for Agricultural Labourers dropped by 0.28 points, settling at 137.12, while the index for Rural Labourers experienced a similar decline, falling by 0.27 points to 137.03. Notably, the Food Index also witnessed a reduction of 0.70 points for both Agricultural and Rural Labourers during this month.
The year-on-year inflation rates for December 2025 showed minor changes, with Agricultural Labourers reporting an inflation rate of 0.04% and Rural Labourers at 0.11%. This indicates a slight uptick from the previous month, which had recorded negative inflation rates in both categories.
Food Inflation Trends
Food inflation revealed a significant decrease, standing at -1.80% for Agricultural Labourers and -1.73% for Rural Labourers in December 2025. These figures reflect the ongoing fluctuations in food prices that significantly affect the livelihoods of those in agricultural sectors.
The CPI data also provides insights into group-wise indices. For example, the general index for Agricultural Labourers was 137.12 compared to 137.30 for Rural Labourers. Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages remains a critical category, with an index of 137.79 for Agricultural Labourers and 137.55 for Rural Labourers. These numbers are essential for understanding trends in consumer goods and overall economic health.
State-wise Index Variations
Regionally, there were noticeable discrepancies in the CPI across different states. For instance, Karnataka recorded an AL index of 140.29 while Kerala had a slightly lower index at 136.80. Such variations indicate different economic conditions and living costs faced by labourers in various parts of the country.
This CPI report offers valuable insights into the economic reality faced by agricultural and rural labourers in India. The ongoing monitoring of these indices is crucial for policymakers aiming to support these vital sectors, ensuring that the workforce is adequately supported in the face of changing economic conditions.
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