By Bl New Delhi
Copyright thehindubusinessline
Retail inflation for both agricultural and rural labourers saw a modest uptick in August 2025, according to data released by the Labour Ministry on Thursday.
The year-on-year inflation rate for agricultural labourers rose to 1.07 per cent, up from 0.77 per cent in July, while the rate for rural labourers increased to 1.26 per cent, compared to 1.01 per cent the previous month.
The All-India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for agricultural labourers climbed by 1.03 points, reaching 136.34 in August. Meanwhile, the index for rural labourers rose by 0.94 points to 136.60, according to the data.
In terms of food prices, the Food Index increased by 1.39 points for agricultural labourers and 1.29 points for rural labourers during the same month.
Despite the rise in the overall CPI, food inflation remained in negative territory. It contracted to -0.55 per cent for agricultural labourers and -0.28 per cent for rural labourers in August 2025.
The Labour Bureau, under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, compiles the CPI data based on inputs from 787 sample villages across 34 states and Union Territories. These indices reflect changes in the cost of living and are crucial for revising minimum wages and other welfare measures for rural and farm workers.
Published on September 19, 2025
