Futures contracts allow a farmer and bread manufacturer to lock in a future price for wheat to protect themselves from price fluctuations. The farmer expects wheat prices to fall to Rs. 90 in 3 months, while the manufacturer expects a rise to Rs. 120. They agree to a contract where the farmer will sell wheat at Rs. 110 in 3 months. This protects both parties - the farmer from a price drop, and the manufacturer from a price increase. If prices instead rise to Rs. 120, the farmer misses out on Rs. 10 profit but has had 3 months of protected income, while the manufacturer profits Rs. 10 through correct forecasting aided by the futures contract.