August 25, 2006	Friday	Rajab 29, 1427

LONDON, Aug 24: Worldwide grain demand will outstrip supply during 2006-07, creating a production deficit of about 51 million tons, the International Grains Council forecast on Thursday.

The estimate, contained in the group’s monthly report, compared with 14 million tons the previous year.“World grain supplies are forecast to tighten in 2006/07 as production falls and demand continues to grow,” the IGC said in the August report.

Worldwide grain output was estimated to reach 1.575 billion tons in the year, compared the previous forecast of 1.577 billion tons which was made in July.—AFP