The move will prevent excessive decline in prices of live hogs, stabilize husbandry and protect farmers, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China' top economic planning body, said on its website.

The NDRC forecast that prices will drop further in the coming months when consumption is traditionally low, and advised farmers to adjust the scale of their business depending on market prices.

Prices of live hogs have fallen since mid-December. Wholesale prices fell 1.1 per cent in the first two weeks of February year on year after a 1.9 per cent drop in January, the statement said.

Pork is the staple meat in China, and plays a major role in calculating inflation. Inflation rose 2.5 per cent year on year in January, with prices of pork down 4.3 per cent.