BEIJING -- China's State Council decided on Wednesday to step up efforts to stabilize hog production and ensure pork supply following the effects of African swine fever on the industry.

Subsidies to farms with culled pigs will be dispensed more timely, and major hog producers and farm owners will receive more support in expanding their herds, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang.

Local authorities should promptly scrap bans and limits on hog raising except those stipulated in laws and regulations, and large-scale farming should be promoted.

The meeting called for efforts to enhance the development of the animal disease prevention system and beef up disease control capabilities, increasing local pork reserves, and ensuring the basic living standards of people in difficult circumstances.