YAN' AN, Shaanxi, Feb. 25 -- Miao Yuchun, a farmer from Zichang County in northwest China's Loess Plateau, never imagined he would have a life of financial stability.

The 33-year-old man was forced to drop out of high school due to poverty, and a botched attempt at growing tomatoes left him penniless, driving him to look for work in the city.

However, Miao could not forget his farming roots, even when he was doing well in the city.

Three years ago, inspired by organic soilless cultivation, he returned to his hometown to grow strawberries.

He enrolled on technical training programs organized by the local government, consulted with experienced farmers, and explored ways of improving his crops so they could meet "green product" standards.

Miao's organic farm last year earned him 500,000 yuan (about 81,460 U.S. dollars) and he employed 15 people.

The government is encouraging more farmers to follow Miao's path out of poverty through agricultural modernization, helping farmers change to either industrial, intensive farming or organic, sustainable agriculture.

Top policymakers have called for more efforts to modernize agriculture, boost farmers' consumption and spur rural investment.