Weekly pork prices edge down in China

BEIJING - Pork prices in China edged down last week, official data showed.

From Feb 21 to 25, the average pork price index in 16 provincial-level regions tracked by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs was 16.22 yuan ($2.56) per kg, down 0.5 percent week on week.

This figure also represented a year-on-year drop of 51.1 percent.

The National Development and Reform Commission announced Monday to stockpile pork to replenish state reserves.

Stockpiling work has begun in provincial-level regions, including Beijing, Jiangxi, Hubei and Chongqing. Other areas will start the work soon, according to the commission.

Livestock farms and households are advised to make reasonable decisions for production and operation to maintain the stability of hog production capacity.