"Keeping the flame alive" in Dong Binh rice paper making village.

Having been an integral part of people's lives for hundreds of years, Dong Binh rice paper (Tuy Hoa ward) still retains its characteristic chewy, fragrant, and crispy texture. However, amidst the modern pace of life, this century-old craft village is facing many difficulties...

Dong Binh rice paper is not only a popular dish on everyday meals and during Tet (Lunar New Year), but also a source of pride for the people of Tuy Hoa. To produce a high-quality rice paper, artisans must be meticulous from the selection of rice, soaking, grinding the flour, spreading it thinly over a blazing fire fueled by rice husks, and then drying it in the sun.

Ms. Dang Thi Phim, an eighth-generation member of the family involved in the craft, shared: “Traditional crafts not only sustain generations but also embody the soul of our homeland. Although it's hard work, I continue doing it because I love the profession. However, I am very worried that without a stable market, the younger generation will not be enthusiastic about continuing the tradition.”

Every day, Mrs. Dang Thi Phim meticulously continues her family's traditional rice paper-making craft.

In recent years, mass-produced rice paper has become increasingly popular, offering lower prices and a wider variety of designs, making it difficult for handcrafted products to thrive. Ms. Tran Thi Thuy, a resident of the traditional craft village, confided: “Previously, handmade rice paper sold very well, but now people use machines more, making it cheaper, so the market for traditional products is becoming increasingly unstable. I'm still trying to preserve the craft, but I don't know how long I can hold out.”

According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, head of Dong Binh neighborhood, the local authorities regularly encourage residents to stick with their traditional crafts, as this is not only a livelihood but also a cultural aspect. The government also encourages the younger generation to combine traditional crafts with online sales to both preserve the craft and keep up with current trends.

In reality, the Dong Binh rice paper making village still operates on a small scale, lacks investment capital, its products lack attractive designs, its brand is not well-defined, and its market is unstable. Currently, the people of Dong Binh urgently need the support of the government and relevant organizations to ensure the sustainable development of the village.

According to Mr. Ho Quang Nam, Director of the Dong Hoa An Agricultural Service Cooperative and Chairman of the Dong Binh Rice Paper Making Association, this craft village is over 400 years old. Everyone is dedicated to it, but sometimes the rice paper produced cannot be sold, leading to sluggish sales, so many people abandon the profession.

The craft of making rice paper in Dong Binh not only sustains generations but also contributes to preserving the soul of the homeland.

Mr. Ha Van Lam, Chairman of the Tuy Hoa Ward Farmers' Association, said: “Dong Binh craft village is the pride of the ward. Currently, we are coordinating with the Dong Binh Rice Paper Craft Association and the villagers to build a brand, promote the value of handmade rice paper; connect with businesses and distribution channels to bring the products into supermarkets and specialty stores. Only then will the people of the craft village feel secure and committed to the long-term.”

Recently, the Provincial Farmers' Association, in coordination with the Tuy Hoa Ward Farmers' Association, organized a field trip for officials from 102 communes and wards across the province to experience traditional craft villages. This activity contributed to promoting the products and connecting them with consumers both within and outside the province. A representative from the Provincial Farmers' Association emphasized that the association will continue to support farmers by providing training in business skills, improving product quality, and helping members access e-commerce channels. Simultaneously, the association aims to build a stable distribution chain with businesses, supermarkets, and wholesale markets; and to participate in trade fairs both within and outside the province, thereby expanding the market and enhancing the brand of Dong Binh rice paper.

In addition, the Provincial Farmers' Association also guides localities to develop craft villages associated with the collective economy and the OCOP program, combining it with community tourism to increase value and promote the image of Dong Binh rice paper further...

Thuy Thao

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202509/giu-lua-lang-nghe-banh-trang-dong-binh-d461b6e/