The brocade dream is reviving in Muong Quang

In recent years, the fertile slopes along the Quang River in Mong 1 and Mong 2 villages have gradually been covered with long rows of mulberry trees. The restoration of mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming has not only created stable livelihoods for the people but also breathed new life into the western region of Nghe An province.

A view of Mong 1 village, Muong Quang commune. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Taking advantage of the suitable moisture levels in the riverside and stream areas, people plant mulberry trees to ensure a steady supply of food for silkworms. Ms. Lang Thi Son, a long-time silkworm farmer in Mong 1 village, shared: “Mulberry trees thrive in moist soil; with proper care, they produce leaves year-round. Having a local source of mulberry leaves reduces costs and allows us to proactively feed the silkworms, eliminating worries about leaf shortages during unpredictable weather.”

Thanks to the relatively stable climate, silkworms in Muong Quang thrive, producing high-quality cocoons. Along with this, the traditional weaving craft of Thai women is gradually reviving; the rhythmic sound of looms echoes in every stilt house, blending with the peaceful life of the mountains and forests. Each piece of cloth, each embroidered scarf, is the culmination of skill, diligence, and cultural pride passed down through generations. While previously the people mainly raised silkworms to sell cocoons, they have now boldly invested in a closed-loop system: mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, silk reeling, and weaving, increasing product value and boosting income.

Taking advantage of the fertile land, people grow mulberry trees to use as the main food source for silkworms. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Previously, the mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing profession declined because young people were not interested in pursuing it, considering it arduous and low-paying. To preserve this traditional craft, in 2023, Cam Muon commune (now Muong Quang commune) implemented the "Development Project for Mulberry and Silkworm Farming in Cam Muon Commune, giai đoạn 2023 - 2025, with a vision to 2030," which also serves as a model of effective community mobilization in the locality.

From just 10 initial households, the entire commune now has over 20 households raising silkworms, with more than 4 hectares of mulberry trees. In 2024, cocoon production reached approximately 2 tons, with many households earning between 20 and 50 million VND per year, contributing to the increasingly stable lives of the local people.

Silkworms spin their cocoons and release their silk. The trays of golden cocoons are the result of a long and diligent labor process. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Besides providing income, the craft of weaving brocade also preserves the cultural identity of the Thai people. Each pattern, each stitch on the skirts, blouses, and scarves contains the memories of their ancestors and the essence of local culture.

Ms. Lang Thi Huong, Chairwoman of the Women's Association of Muong Quang commune, said: "We have organized for our people to study successful models in other localities, mastering techniques for selecting seeds, preventing diseases, and raising silkworms. At the same time, we hope to replicate the model to both preserve the craft and increase income for women."

Thanks to systematic production methods, Muong Quang's silk products have been featured at many highland markets and OCOP (One Commune One Product) fairs. The traditional scarves, priced at 800,000 - 900,000 VND, and the skirts at 1 - 1.2 million VND, are popular with tourists. Many visitors to Muong Quang also want to experience picking mulberry leaves, feeding silkworms, spinning silk, and weaving, opening up opportunities for community-based tourism linked to traditional crafts.

Weaving is a traditional secondary occupation for Thai women in Muong Quang. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Although the silkworm farming and brocade weaving industries have revived, local people still face many difficulties. These include small-scale operations, lack of investment capital, and the fact that silkworm farming in stilt houses is easily affected by temperature and humidity. Furthermore, product sales are still mainly local, and there is no strong brand recognition.

Mr. Lo Van Tung, Head of the Economic Department of Muong Quang Commune, said: The commune is hoping to receive additional preferential loan capital to invest in semi-permanent silkworm breeding houses to improve production efficiency and increase competitiveness. He also emphasized that promoting and connecting with markets is a key factor; the commune has proposed building a showroom for silk and brocade products linked to community tourism to create a brand and expand outlets for the products.

With an area of over 340 km² and a population of nearly 18,000 people, mainly Thai and Khơ Mú ethnic minorities, Mường Quàng commune possesses great potential to develop into a concentrated mulberry raw material area. With proper investment in the industry, mulberry cultivation and brocade weaving could become key commodities, contributing to the commune's sustainable poverty reduction program.

Silk products from Muong Quang are popular with tourists thanks to their natural colors and handcrafted patterns. Photo: Dinh Tuyen — Silk products from Muong Quang commune are popular with tourists thanks to their natural colors and handcrafted patterns. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized the traditional brocade weaving of the Thai people in Nghe An as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is not only a source of pride for the people of Muong Quang commune but also a driving force for the locality to continue preserving and promoting the value of this heritage in modern life. From the shimmering golden cocoons and the lively sounds of looms on the wooden floors, the Thai people of Muong Quang are diligently weaving their future. When traditions are revived and linked to the economy, they not only enrich the villages but also help cultural identity shine amidst the mountains and forests of Nghe An.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/giac-mo-tho-cam-dang-hoi-sinh-o-muong-quang-10311593.html