Inside four mist-covered blue greenhouses celery seedlings are being cultivated as automated systems circulate nutrient solutions and adjust lighting—quietly launching a day of farming at Yuchen Farm, a hydroponic vegetable base run by 35-year-old Li Xia.
But this is no ordinary farm. Li, diagnosed with progressive muscular dystrophy—a rare and fatal disease often called the "super cancer"—has only one functioning finger and one toe. Yet, with this limited mobility, he operates the entire automated farm from a small control room, a converted shipping container beside the greenhouses.
"Since I've lived past 30, every day from now on must be more meaningful," Li says with quiet determination. Using a mouse controlled by his left index finger and clicking with his right foot, Li carefully monitors the farm's systems. He adjusts cameras to inspect the greenhouses and analyzes the health of the crops.
Last spring, their hydroponic spinach struggled with stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Despite endless troubleshooting, the crops withered. It wasn't until a curious passerby—later revealed to be the local economic development officer—brought in agricultural experts that they discovered a critical iron deficiency in their fertilizer. That encounter led to vital support from local officials, including materials and technical guidance. The farm flourished, yielding popular crops like water spinach, cucumbers, and celery.
Li shares smart farming techniques on his Bilibili channel, attracting over 8,000 followers eager for practical advice—unaware of his health struggles. "Hydroponics is perfect for Chongqing's mountainous terrain," Li explains. "We live in an era of rapid technological growth and limitless possibilities. I want to pass that knowledge on."
Source: ichongqing.info