SGGPO
The hotter the weather, the harder it is to work in the fields – that's the job of growing sedge. Under the scorching sun of 38-41 degrees Celsius, farmers in the sedge growing area of Quang Phuc commune (Quang Xuong district, Thanh Hoa province) endure the heat to harvest.
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The sedge fields of Quang Phuc commune, Quang Xuong district, Thanh Hoa province. |
Sedge is planted in February-March of the lunar calendar, and each sedge crop can last up to 5 years. The peak harvesting season runs from April-May to September-October. After cutting, the sedge is gathered into bundles, then shaken to remove weeds, debris, and damaged fibers. It is then split into smaller fibers, dried, and shaken again. Drying is the most crucial step, as rain or lack of sunshine will prevent the sedge fibers from drying properly, reducing their value. Therefore, farmers work harder in the fields on sunny days. It takes four people working diligently each day to harvest just one sao (approximately 1000 square meters) of sedge.
Sedge is classified into three types: those over 1.65m long are used for weaving premium mats or for export; those of medium length (1.5m to 1.6m) are used for weaving personal mats; and the remainder is used for handicrafts such as hats, baskets, and bags.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Ninh (Ngoc Nhi village, Quang Phuc commune) shared that sedge weaving is as arduous as salt production; the hotter the weather, the more you have to work in the fields. Because it's so hard, young people are now unwilling to do it, leaving only middle-aged and elderly people to continue the profession. This year, sedge production is low, and prices are also low. While in previous years the price of sedge was 1.4-1.5 million VND/quintal, this year it's only 1-1.2 million VND/quintal. The export market for sedge, mainly to Russia and China, is facing difficulties.
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To reduce the heat, farmers use tarpaulins stretched over their work areas. |
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The task of cutting reeds is usually undertaken by women. |
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Carefully select the beautiful rush fibers, discarding any damaged or unsightly ones. |
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The reeds are dried right in the fields, and the collectors have to cover them to protect them from the heat. |
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After cutting, the reeds are shaken clean and bundled together. |
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After drying, the reeds are shaken and cleaned again. |
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Darkened skin from working in the sun while making reed mats. |
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Splitting reeds right in the field. |
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Mr. Nguyen Huu Ninh, from Ngoc Nhi village (Quang Phuc commune), in his sedge field. |
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A moment of rest for the sedge weavers. |
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The simple joys of those who make sedge mats. |
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