Hainan has been granted US$5 million by China's central government to further develop its livestock industry as the central planning authorities have come to realise its potential in this sector. 

The funds would be slated for development in three areas: developing 56 modernised farms, upgrading of three pig farms and subsidies for three Wenchang grandparent chicken farms. The province is famous for Wenchang chickens, which is popular in Hainan, Hong Kong and has been exported to Singapore.

According to Hainan Daily, the island province's agricultural sector has been in the limelight due to last year's pork shortage on the mainland, which was largely caused by pig diseases.

Throughout last year, as pork supply on the mainland declined, the province has been able to maintain its provincial export commitment of 4,000 pigs a day. The province thus played a critical role in supplying the Pearl Delta Region, which forms a sizable chunk of China's main consumption area.

Pig contribution from the disease-free region did not escape the notice of central planning authorities, who came to realise the tropical island province's huge potential for livestock rearing.

Provincial authorities say they are accelerating livestock development amid high farmer enthusiasm. It is estimated that every RMB 1 investment by the government would bring about RMB 3 in private investment. This meant the island could draw at least US$15 million in investment from the US$5 million grant given by the government.

The total amount would enable the province to boost pig production by 250,000 heads and Wenchang chicken production by 3 million birds.