Nine regional governments in China have been told by the country’s agriculture minister, Han Changfu, to speed up their efforts to raise pig breeding numbers, while adding that supportive measures from Beijing are starting to take effect.
Reuters has reported that worried about the political implications of a shortage of pork, China’s most popular meat, Beijing has been trying to boost incentives for farmers to breed more hogs. It has also encouraged greater production of poultry and other types of meat.
In a notice on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr Han said a recovery in pork production was vital to stabilise prices, and local governments need to work to boost supplies in preparation for Lunar New Year celebrations in late January.
Officials of nine southern regions were also ordered to properly implement central government measures to boost financial assistance and provide more land to pig farmers.
But they should ensure that zoning restrictions on pig farms are properly implemented and do not extend beyond their original remit.
The wholesale price of pork in China stood at an average 48 yuan (£5.29) per kilogram on Friday, China Daily said, citing ministry data. It has fallen slightly since the start of the month, but it remains 157% higher than last year.