Hope for the new year!

Ready for the New Year

Quickly trimming the overhanging branches of the longan tree that reached his head, Mr. Banh Nguon Dung, residing in My Pho hamlet, My Duc commune, proudly showed off his 8 acres of orchards specializing in growing My Duc longan for sale as fruit and seedlings to the market. Mr. Dung shared: “Last year, despite economic difficulties, I still made a profit from my longan orchard. Each tree yields 40-50 kg of fruit per season. Prices can reach 100,000 VND/kg at the beginning of the season, dropping to 50,000-60,000 VND/kg during peak season. My Duc longan is quite rare now, so it's considered a gift because of its distinctive delicious flavor.”

Mr. Dung also supplies 200-300 seedlings per month to farmers. Through research, he found that My Duc longan is suitable for the soil in many regions, so the potential for expanding this variety is quite good. By the end of 2025, market demand increased, but he did not have enough seedlings to supply. "Even so, I am still happy because the quality seedlings have earned the trust of the farmers. This is a good start to a prosperous new year. Currently, I am working to get the longan to bear fruit early, so I can sell it at a higher price," Mr. Dung said.

Unlike Mr. Dung, who endures hardship under the scorching sun and pouring rain, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Thanh Thuy, a small trader at Chau Doc specialty market in Chau Doc ward, enters the new year with high expectations. Adhering to the regulations on civilized commerce set by the Chau Doc Ward People's Committee, Ms. Thuy arranges her goods neatly and cleanly into specific groups. She says that most customers praise her professional display and cheerful attitude. “This year, the number of tourists visiting Chau Doc is relatively high, so the lives of small traders are promising. In the last months of the year, the number of tourists will gradually increase, especially on weekends. I have prepared to import goods for Tet (Lunar New Year) and the festival of the Goddess of Mercy at the beginning of the year. When prices are clearly displayed for each item and there is no price gouging, customers will return. I am looking forward to the busiest wholesale season coming soon,” Ms. Thuy said cheerfully.

The shimmering golden strands of silk carry the wishes of Khmer women for the new year. Photo: THANH TIEN

Extending the traditional "thread"

In Sray Skoth hamlet, An Cu commune, the rhythmic sound of looms still resonates amidst the golden sunshine of late year. In her spacious new house, artisan Neang Chanh Ty is diligently spinning silk and preparing a continuous stream of orders. Having learned the craft since she was young, even though she is only in her early 40s, Neang Chanh Ty is considered one of the most skilled weavers in this hamlet. Not only is she skilled herself, but she also teaches women in Sray Skoth hamlet so they can learn the craft and earn a living from it. “I taught seven women in the hamlet, then hired them. After taking care of their families, they can earn 70,000-90,000 dong a day weaving,” Neang Chanh Ty explained.

According to her, Khmer brocade from An Cu is soft, smooth, and durable, making it popular with customers. Orders from Khmer monks in the Bay Nui region alone keep them busy. Therefore, the women have work year-round, and Ms. Neang Chanh Ty has a very good income. “Last year, there were more tourists and more purchases, so I was very happy. The best part was when customers praised the brocade and bought it as gifts. We spend many days diligently making each product. When buyers appreciate the dedication we put into each pattern and detail, we are very happy!” Ms. Neang Chanh Ty shared.

As someone passionate about the traditional brocade weaving of her homeland, Ms. Néang Chanh Ty hopes that relevant authorities and sectors will provide support for a product showroom to promote and welcome tourists, opening up opportunities for the products made by the meticulous hands of Khmer women to enhance their value and connect with community tourism activities.

According to Nguyen Duy Phong, Chairman of the People's Committee of An Cu Commune, recognizing that the Khmer people's brocade weaving craft is not only a livelihood but also a unique traditional cultural value, the locality has implemented many solutions to preserve and promote the value of the craft village in the current context. "Through national target programs and ethnic policies, we create conditions for households engaged in the craft to access preferential loans, invest in looms and raw materials, and improve product designs while still preserving the traditional essence. At the same time, we support the promotion of Khmer brocade products at fairs, cultural events, and festivals inside and outside the province," Mr. Phong said.

In 2026, the People's Committee of An Cu commune aims to preserve traditional crafts in conjunction with community tourism development and rural development, gradually forming a model of traditional craft villages linked to Khmer cultural experiences. "We will continue to mobilize and integrate resources to care for the lives of the Khmer people, encouraging them to strive and contribute to building a more developed An Cu homeland in the future," Mr. Phong stated.

The year 2026 is not only anticipated as a milestone but also as an expectation for a prosperous year, where today's efforts will bear fruit, spreading confidence and further illuminating the image of An Giang on its journey towards sustainable development.

THANH TIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/niem-tin-cho-nam-moi--a472412.html