China to release first batch of pork reserve Thursday

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities will release the first batch of pork into the market from central reserves on Thursday to ensure pork supplies, the country's top economic planner said Tuesday.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and relevant departments will guide local authorities to release pork reserves as public holidays such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Holiday are around the corner.

At present, local authorities in provincial-level regions including Guangxi, Sichuan, Jilin, Ningxia and Hunan have started the release of pork reserves.

The NDRC said it will pay close attention to market changes and increase pork release if necessary.

Pig farms are advised to sell hogs at a normal pace, and related enterprises are required to release commercial pork reserves in an orderly manner to increase market supply, according to the NDRC.