The story of preserving the soul of the profession in the 'capital of sedge grass' in the West

Lepironia articulata (scientific name: Lepironia articulata) is a herbaceous plant, characterized by a hollow stem, growing well in flooded, acid sulfate or saline soils. In the Mekong Delta, Lepironia is naturally distributed in Long An , Dong Thap and is especially dense in the swampy and marshy areas of Phu My - where the largest area of natural Lepironia is concentrated in An Giang province today.

Phu My marshland - the place with the largest natural sedge area in An Giang province today.

Phu My sedge grass fields cover hundreds of hectares, stretching along the low-lying areas along the border. Not only is it a special ecosystem that helps regulate water, limit erosion and is home to many native birds, fish and reptiles, the sedge grass fields are also an important source of livelihood for hundreds of households. According to local people, the sedge grass harvest season takes place from December to March of the following year, when the grass stems reach the appropriate length and toughness for making handicrafts.

Over many generations, the sedge weaving profession in Phu My is not only an economic activity but also a part of the cultural life of the people. In the past, sedge products mainly served daily life such as mattresses, rice baskets, trays, etc. Today, thanks to creativity and improved skills, craftsmen can make dozens of different items: sedge conical hats, fashion baskets, handbags, carpets, environmentally friendly straws, decorative items, etc.

Phu My Sedge Women's Cooperative attracts a large number of members.

The product manufacturing process requires meticulousness and elaboration. After harvesting, the sedge is dried for many days until it reaches its natural yellow color. Next, the grass is dyed, boiled and cleaned to increase its flexibility. When the raw materials meet the standards, the artisans proceed to spin, weave and slice to create shapes according to each design. Most of the process is done by hand, relying heavily on the craftsman's skills and experience. Each product therefore bears the mark of creativity and dedication, demonstrating the typical ingenuity of Western women.

Phu My sedge products were displayed at the recent An Giang Provincial Party Congress.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mong Quyen - Director of Ha Tien Tourism and Trade Promotion Center said that it is noteworthy that the sedge weaving profession in Phu My and Giang Thanh communes not only creates income but also contributes to environmental protection. Sedge is a natural material, quickly regenerated, and easily decomposed, so products made from sedge help reduce the amount of plastic waste in daily life.

During the production process, craftsmen hardly use chemicals, consume little energy, and are in line with the green economic development orientation that does not pollute the environment. “Many households have a more stable income from sedge weaving than from seasonal agricultural production. The elderly, housewives, and young people can all participate, contributing to creating jobs on the spot and retaining local workers,” Ms. Quyen shared.

What is special is that Phu My commune has established the Phu My Lepironia Women's Cooperative, which plays an important role in elevating the traditional craft. Currently, the cooperative attracts many female members who work seasonally. When joining the cooperative, members are supported in purchasing raw materials, technical training, design and market connection. Thanks to that, Phu My's Lepironia products are increasingly appreciated for their quality, aesthetics and durability.

Ms. Quang Xuan Lua (purple ao dai) - Director of An Giang Tourism Trade Investment Promotion Center and members participating in the Autumn 2025 exhibition fair in Hanoi.

Director of the Center for Promotion of Investment, Trade and Tourism of An Giang Province, Ms. Quang Xuan Lua, said that Phu My sedge products have gradually improved in quality and diversified in design. Many products have met the standards to participate in OCOP programs and fairs inside and outside the province. Some items have also been ordered for export by handicraft enterprises, opening up opportunities to bring local products to the international market.

“Currently, the cooperative has dozens of members working regularly, attracting more seasonal workers during peak periods. This is considered an effective model in developing the community economy associated with preserving the natural heritage of the sedge grasslands,” Ms. Lua assessed.

According to Ms. Lua, in the context of modernization and competition from industrial products, preserving and developing the sedge weaving craft is of great importance. Not only does it help people stabilize their income, the traditional craft also contributes to preserving long-standing cultural values, demonstrating the connection between people and nature in the Mekong Delta.

With the available potential from the vast sedge fields, the ingenuity of the workers and the support of cooperative models, the sedge weaving profession in Phu My promises to continue to develop strongly, contributing to the goal of building the local economy in a sustainable and environmentally friendly direction.

Hoang Nghiep

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/chuyen-giu-hon-nghe-o-thu-phu-co-bang-mien-tay/20251121100523514