It's a rural tradition that faded out decades ago as Hong Kong turned into a neon-lit megacity: Rice seedlings gently stuffed into the soil of watery paddy fields.

But now a new wave of farmers are growing the staple again in sleepy Long Valley in the city's northern New Territories, where buzzing insects and flocking birds offer a rich contrast to the high-rise blocks in the distance.

Former supermarket supervisor Kan Wai-hong went from working late shifts to harvesting sacks of fragrant, golden rice.