Rome, March 8 : World food prices remained mostly unchanged in February compared to January, though a rise in rice prices was offset by drops in prices of other key cereals, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in its monthly report.

The overall index averaged 210 points in February, the same as in January, and reflecting trading in a small band between 210 and 212 points since November, reported Xinhua.

The four-month period with stable prices is in contrast to a long period with price volatility earlier last year.

Prices for cereals -- rice, corn and wheat are the biggest component in the index -- fell by about one percent in February, though that was driven mostly lower wheat and corn prices that fell as a result of improving crop conditions in the US.

FAO said rice prices rose due to changing policies in Thailand and India, and lower production levels in the US. (IANS)