Lin Xichun, a 57-year-old farmer, has become a part of Pingtan's agricultural history by running the county's first family farm.

The concept of a family farm was first brought up in a central government document issued in February. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, a "family farm" would engage most members of a single family in agricultural production, allowing them to make farming their main source of income.

This move seeks to prevent young rural residents from migrating into cities in search of better-paid work, after a separate Ministry of Agriculture report highlighted a shortage of both young farmers and farmers specializing solely in agriculture.

Encouraged by the idea, Lin Xichun registered the first family farm in June with a registered capital of 500,000 yuan ($81,467) and 133,333 square meters of cropland located in Xibianliao village in Luyang township, Pingtan county. The farm grows pumpkins, sweet potatoes and peanuts.

Now Lin says his biggest wish is for the central government to roll out more favorable policies supporting the development of family farms.

The local industrial and commercial administrative bureau said it has opened a green channel to provide farmers with one-stop consultation services.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Micheal Thai