BEIJING -  China is sending relief teams to eight provinces that grow more than 80 percent of the country's wheat and are struggling with drought.

The four months with little or no rain have parched northern and eastern China and raised concerns about further pressure on surging food prices. Both President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao have visited the drought-struck regions this week.

Xinhua News Agency said Friday that the Agriculture Ministry has sent relief teams to the provinces.

The report says the drought has affected a little more than one-third of the wheat crop in those areas.

Dry weather and higher-than-average temperatures are forecast well into spring.