Developing traditional crafts in the "fairy tale" countryside.

Nga Son, a land of rich history and talented people located in the northeastern part of Thanh Hoa province, not only evokes a "fairytale" countryside, with every mountain, river, and field steeped in legend, but is also renowned for its traditional sedge mat weaving craft. Through many ups and downs, the people here have preserved and promoted the values ​​of their ancestors, while also introducing new crafts and methods to meet the demands of both domestic and export markets.

Products made from water hyacinth by Viet Anh Export-Imported Sedge Production and Processing Joint Stock Company in Nga An commune are exported to the United States.

With the motto "Close to nature, safe for human health" and embodying the distinctive cultural values ​​of Nga Son region, after more than 10 years of operation, Viet Anh Export Processing and Manufacturing Joint Stock Company in Nga An commune, headed by Mr. Pham Minh Ton, has become a well-known enterprise both domestically and internationally. This company specializes in producing products from sedge, rattan, water hyacinth, bamboo, and reeds. Over the years, the company has focused on the appearance and quality of its products before bringing them to market. Each sedge vase, basket, and plate produced by the company is handcrafted by the people of Nga Son with meticulous attention to detail at every stage. The company continuously innovates its products to adapt to the market, while also applying information technology to promote its products and using labels and QR codes for product traceability. Currently, the company has two production facilities with a total area of ​​15,000 square meters, employing nearly 100 permanent workers and over 1,000 seasonal workers with an average income of 5-6 million VND per person per month.

Besides the mat weaving craft, Nga Son district also has other traditional crafts such as: rattan and bamboo weaving, broom making, vermicelli making, rice paper making, pho noodle making, carpentry, and seafood processing. In recent years, Nga Son district has issued many mechanisms and policies to develop these industries in accordance with the practical situation. As a result, many traditional rural crafts have been restored and developed, creating jobs, increasing income, and improving the lives of workers in the area. The products produced are also becoming more diverse and abundant in terms of types, designs, and packaging. The market for these products has also expanded, exporting to several countries: Japan, South Korea, Spain, Germany, etc.

According to the Chairman of the People's Committee of Nga Son District, Thinh Van Huyen: "Since ancient times, Nga Son sedge mats, along with those from Kim Son ( Ninh Binh ), were among the tributes offered to the imperial court, favored by kings, emperors, and officials. Today, the Nga Son sedge mat weaving village has expanded its product range. Besides sedge mats, they now offer floor mats, woven mats, baskets, slippers, decorative items, etc. Products made from sedge, water hyacinth, and coconut fiber are environmentally friendly and popular in many countries."

To preserve and promote traditional crafts in the district, the district has intensified propaganda efforts and effectively implemented Party resolutions and State policies on the development of small-scale industries and craft villages. Each unit, branch, and Party committee in the district is tasked with making the development of crafts and craft villages an annual socio -economic development target. Currently, Nga Son district has approximately 15,000 households and production facilities engaged in mat weaving and basket weaving. Most businesses and production facilities producing craft products have invested in infrastructure and human resources to support their operations. The district has also built three inter-communal industrial and craft village clusters, with a total area of ​​over 60 hectares, to provide land for businesses to expand their production scale. During the 2021-2025 period, Nga Son district has been coordinating with relevant units to train and improve the skills of workers, strengthen trade promotion, and seek markets for product consumption. In addition, research should be conducted on mechanisms and policies to encourage the development of traditional crafts associated with rural development; and to encourage small-scale handicraft production facilities to research and develop products with distinctive characteristics and brands that have high economic value, contributing to improving the lives of the people.

Text and photos: Minh Hieu

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/phat-develop-traditional-art-in-fairy-tale-countries-239887.htm