Developing rural industries

Rural industries play a crucial role in promoting agricultural and rural development; they not only create jobs during off-season periods, solve local employment problems, and increase people's income, but also contribute to preserving the cultural identity of each locality and contributing to the construction of new rural areas. Therefore, localities throughout the province have implemented many practical solutions to promote the development of rural industries, focusing on small-scale handicrafts through the restoration of traditional crafts, the introduction and cultivation of new crafts, with a variety of trades such as mat weaving, rattan and bamboo weaving, seafood processing, blacksmithing, bronze casting, and the processing of cakes, sausages, and ham... thereby creating jobs for nearly 60,000 workers.

Developing the rattan and bamboo weaving craft in Hoang Loc commune.

Quang Ngoc commune is famous for its traditional sedge mat production. To improve the economic efficiency of sedge processing, the commune has encouraged and facilitated loans for households to invest in purchasing mat weaving machines and expanding production facilities; maintaining and expanding sedge cultivation areas to meet the raw material requirements for production. In addition, it encourages the development of products based on the application of science and technology in production, diversifying products in terms of designs and styles such as floral mats and printed mats.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, a member of a family with generations preserving the mat-making craft, said: “Sedge mats are made from two main materials: sedge plants and jute fibers; these are 100% natural, environmentally friendly materials. In addition, to save on labor costs and improve productivity and product quality, I have invested in modern machinery, expanded the workshop, and produced high-quality mats such as: color-printed mats, floral-printed mats... and some other products like handbags and floor mats... Currently, my family provides regular employment for 5 workers with stable incomes of 5 million VND/person/month or more.” With diverse designs and durable quality, the products have been recognized as OCOP products by the Quang Phuc Agricultural Production, Business and Service Cooperative; meeting consumer demands for not only aesthetic appeal but also quality assurance and environmental friendliness. Besides mat-making, Quang Ngoc commune also maintains the cultivation of sedge, fishing, and processing of crab paste, providing a stable income for the people.

Rattan weaving is a thriving handicraft industry in the communes of Hoang Loc, Tuong Linh, Trung Chinh, etc. The craft produces products such as baskets, trays, and plates from rattan, sedge, and rush, which are exported to international markets, providing stable income and employment for thousands of local workers. Ms. Pham Thi My, owner of a rattan weaving workshop in Thieu Hoa commune, said: “Starting from a small business, I have boldly expanded production, introduced additional techniques in rattan weaving using bamboo, rush, and plastic materials... and provide training, supply raw materials, and purchase finished products from workers.”

To expand industries and create jobs for workers, Thieu Hoa commune has facilitated access to loan capital for production facilities to invest in and expand production and business. This has encouraged them to boldly invest in equipment and innovate technology to diversify products and meet the ever-increasing demands of the market. In addition, the commune coordinates the organization of vocational training classes and skills transfer programs for rural workers, as well as the introduction of new skills; creating conditions to maintain and develop production, contributing to job creation, improving people's lives, and ensuring social security. Besides rattan weaving, the commune also focuses on developing other trades such as eyelash extension production, industrial sewing, and mechanics.

In localities, the development of rural industries is considered a crucial link in the New Rural Development program; it is one of the solutions to develop the local economy and help increase people's income. Many products from traditional crafts and villages have been developed into OCOP products, becoming characteristic local products associated with tourism and favored by consumers, such as Tu Tru sticky rice cake, Xuan Lap leaf-shaped rice cake, Phu Quang sticky rice cake, Phu Xuan rice vermicelli, Cam Luong brocade weaving, etc.

To expand the craft industry, localities need to support households engaged in the craft by innovating technology, applying science and technology, investing in modern machinery, diversifying designs, and harmoniously combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to improve productivity and product quality. They should also encourage artisans and skilled craftsmen to share their skills and trade secrets with workers. Simultaneously, they should build linkages between cooperatives and businesses to facilitate product distribution; and create favorable conditions for businesses and production and trading establishments to participate in trade promotion activities to advertise local traditional products.

Text and photos: Le Ngoc

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/phat-develop-nganh-nghe-nbsp-nong-thon-282306.htm