World wheat ending stocks in 2009-10 may increase six percent or nine million tonnes to 171 million tonnes from 2008-09, according to the initial forecast of the International Grains Council (IGC).

The carryover would be up sharply from 116 million tonnes in 2007-08 and 122 million tonnes in 2006-07.

Ending stocks in the five major wheat exporters - Argentina, Australia, Canada, the EU and the US - were projected at 53 million tonnes in 2009-10, up 13 percent from 47 million tonnes in 2008-09 and more than double the 26 million tonnes in 2007-08.

Despite the larger projected supplies, the IGC noted that wheat markets were strong in April, reflecting crop worries, particularly in North America where wet and cold weather delayed spring wheat plantings.