Some government departments are reportedly dispatching inspectors to pork markets around the country to investigate price rises indicating growing official concern at the increases.

Sources with the Ministry of Agriculture said on Wednesday that the ministry is taking measures to ensure market demand for pork could be met.

Li Xizhen, head of market monitoring and regulation section under the Ministry of Commerce said, "The Ministry will follow closely changes on the pork market. National pork reserves will be used if it is necessary."

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China produced 17.73 million tons of pork in the first quarter of this year, up three percent year-on-year, and recorded a population of 467 million live pigs, down 0.3 percent.

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