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Water hyacinth (also known as water lettuce) is a floating plant that grows rapidly in the rivers, canals, and streams of the freshwater areas of Ca Mau province and does not have high economic value. However, in recent years, this wild plant has become a main raw material for creating beautiful handicrafts, enhancing their value and generating significant income.

• Farmers earn a decent income from dried water hyacinth.
• Eight vocational training classes in weaving water hyacinth were opened for female members.
• Establish a cooperative group for "Handicraft weaving" using elephant sedge.

Water hyacinth grows naturally in rivers, canals, and streams in the freshwater areas of Ca Mau .

To utilize them effectively, water hyacinths need to be planted and cared for using proper techniques to produce water hyacinths of the required length for handicraft products.

After harvesting, water hyacinth is dried, processed, and then woven into products such as baskets, trays, gift boxes, mats, and interior decorations. With its advantages of being lightweight, durable, environmentally friendly, and possessing a rustic, natural charm, water hyacinth products are highly favored by both domestic and international markets.

Ms. Le Thi Hong Phuong, Head of the Women's Association and Chairperson of the Club for Women with Disabilities in Nguyen Hue Hamlet , Bien Bach Commune (center), has helped many women, especially women with disabilities, find employment and increase their income through handicrafts, including weaving water hyacinth.

In particular, the craft of weaving water hyacinth has opened up employment opportunities for many rural women. They can take advantage of their free time during the agricultural off-season to participate in production at home, earning extra income while contributing to preserving the traditional craft . On average, each worker earns between 3-5 million VND per month, significantly improving their family's living standards.

Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong, Head of the Women's Group in Kinh Tu hamlet, Hung My commune (wearing a yellow shirt), is passing on her skills to women in the commune.

Currently, many women in rural areas receive water hyacinth raw materials from companies outside the province and weave them according to provided designs. (Photo taken in Kinh Tu, Hung My commune)

Women and girls receive water hyacinth as raw materials and process them at home, which is very convenient. The processing fee ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 VND per product, depending on the design. Skilled and quick-handed individuals can earn 150,000 to 300,000 VND per day.

Besides providing economic benefits, utilizing water hyacinth also contributes to cleaning up rivers and streams, reducing pollution and blockages. This is a green and sustainable economic development model that both improves the lives of rural people and protects the environment.

Loan Phuong performed

Source: https://baocamau.vn/tang-thu-nhap-tu-nghe-tay-trai-a123398.html