The Food and Agriculture Organization forecast world wheat production to fall 4 per cent from 682 million in 2009-10 to 653 million tonnes in 2010-11.

"Winter wheat plantings in the northern hemisphere are tentatively estimated up marginally from the previous year, but crop conditions are mixed in some main producing areas," the F.A.O. said in its Crop Prospects and Food Situation quarterly report released last month.

"Overall, wheat production in 2011 will depend on the weather in the coming months. The bulk of the coarse grains and paddy crops are not due to be planted for several months."

Overall, the F.A.O. projected world cereal production in 2010-11 at 2,229.4 million tonnes, up from its previous forecast in November but still down 1.4 per cent from 2,260.5 million tonnes in 2009-10.