But many of these former migrants lack the capital and technical skills to go into business for themselves.

A survey conducted by agricultural authorities and banks in June showed more than 50 percent of 400 rural youths they interviewed lacked funds and technology to start businesses.

Tang Nianzhou, 32, a former migrant worker from Wucun Village, Changxing County of Zhejiang Province, leased 5.3 hectares and planted some distinctive local crops such as tea. But he's been troubled by lack of funds.

In November, he managed to get a 100,000 yuan low-interest loan from the county's Rural Cooperative Bank. "That helps a lot," he said.

Local governments should do more to provide returned migrant workers with such services as loans and training, said Cui.

Jiangxi will offer 1.08 billion yuan worth of loans to support the enterprises of returned migrant workers this year, with a maximum of 50,000 yuan per person, according to the provincial labor and social insurance department.

Jiangxi has 6.8 million migrant workers. The department estimates that perhaps 1 million might stay home in the first half as jobs dry up.

Neighboring Hunan Province says it will allocate 48 million yuan as training funds for returned migrant workers.

Yu, meanwhile, has a new life. His company hired 26 returned migrant workers, and he will expand if capital permits.

"The financial crisis is a turning point for me and many other migrant workers," said Yu. "Without it, I might not have had the nerve to start my own enterprise."

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2009)