India's pork production in 2015 was estimated at 464,000 metric tons, registering growth of only 1.4 per cent, which was mainly due to population growth.

According to a report from USDA FAS, the major challenges that affect the growth of India's pork sector include lack of sufficient breeder farms, deficiency of feed and fodder resources, diseases like classical swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and porcine rotavirus, limited availability of vaccines, and insufficient slaughter and processing facilities across the country.

The sector is also constrained as most pig farmers undertake pig farming as a livelihood rather than scientific pig farming with improved foundation stock, proper housing, feeding and management.

In other news, the US recorded strong growth in pork exports to China, Hong Kong, Canada and Central America. As a whole, the US's pork exports ended the second half of 2016 on a positive note.

Pork exports reached 187,939 metric tons (mt) in June, up eight per cent from a year ago, while export value increased 11 per cent to $505.4 million.

June pork exports to China/Hong Kong remained well ahead of last year’s pace, increasing 84 per cent in volume (50,374 mt) and 73 per cent in value ($98.8 million).

“New opportunities for US pork were developed in China/Hong Kong over the past year, and the inroads we made with importers and other key buyers in the region will pay long-term dividends,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng.

In disease news, African Swine Fever has been reported on pig farms in Lithuania.

In the US, more pigs have tested positive for influenza at two Michigan county fairs. No ill human contacts have been reported, according to state health officials.