(Yicai Global) July 17 -- A recent rise in China corn prices will not persist as the government holds ample supplies in storage, an official with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said today.

Corn prices began rising in May after an outbreak of crop-eating armyworms spread from Southeast Asia into China's southern Yunnan and Guangzi provinces earlier this year, said Tang Ke, a director at the ministry.

Wheat prices should also stabilize after the government pulls the trigger on a minimum price program, he added.