Global wheat output is expected to decline marginally to 681 million tonnes in 2012-13 crop year, over last year’s record, due to less production in Australia, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Ukraine, according to the UK-based International Grains Council.
“World wheat production in 2012-13 is expected to fall by 15 mt from last year’s record production of 696 mt,” the council said in a report.
Production is likely to be lower than the projected consumption of 683 mt, the report added.
The overall output has been projected down as production in Australia, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Ukraine is expected to be lower, though better outcomes are seen in North America and Russia.
China and India are the top two wheat producing countries in the world. The crop year varies from country to country. In India, the crop is planted in late October-November and the harvesting usually begins by middle of April.
Projecting a slight dip in world trade at 136 mt for 2012-13, the IGC said: “Some reduction in world wheat trade is forecast mainly due to lower purchases for feed amid improved supplies of maize and barley.”
The global body added supplies in the global market would not be affected even as global stocks are forecast to recede from the past year’s peak. The carry over stock at global level has been pegged at 203 mt against 210 mt.