Finding a direction for the Lam Son driftwood craft village.

The craft village specializing in driftwood and ornamental stone carving in Doan Ket hamlet, Luong Son commune, once boasted up to 40 production facilities employing over 100 workers. However, currently, fewer than 10 establishments remain, barely maintaining operations. What path forward can bring this craft village back to its former glory?

At the Anh Duc fine art woodworking workshop in Doan Ket hamlet, there are hardly any customers. Products such as wooden tables and chairs, statues of the god of wealth, and sculptures are covered in a thick layer of dust. Since the beginning of the year, the market has been sluggish, so the owner has temporarily stopped production to focus on selling remaining stock. Currently, in the workshop area of ​​about 200 square ^meters, products ranging in price from 3 to 10 million VND are on display, with some high-value and aesthetically pleasing items costing over 100 million VND.

Mr. Bach Van Duc (left), owner of Anh Duc fine art wood carving workshop in Doan Ket hamlet, introduces customers to fine art products crafted from driftwood.

Mr. Bach Van Duc, the owner of the workshop, expressed his concern: “About 3-4 years ago, the workshop could earn an average of 70-80 million VND per month. Now, sales are very slow, especially since the beginning of the year, we haven't sold a single product. The workshop has been forced to temporarily suspend production and cut staff to save costs. For the people of Doan Ket hamlet, crafting driftwood is not simply a way to earn a living, but also a passion and a joy in life. Therefore, when I see other production facilities in the area closing down, I tell myself that I must try my best to maintain, preserve, and develop the craft village.”

The craft of crafting driftwood and ornamental stones has existed in Lam Son commune since 1994, mainly concentrated in Doan Ket hamlet. However, for the past two years, the products have faced difficulties in finding markets. The main reason identified is the competition from industrial products and imported goods with diverse designs and types, which have changed consumer trends. In addition, local raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce, leading to higher production costs. Meanwhile, product promotion and marketing have not been given sufficient attention to attract consumer interest. Especially in the current difficult economic context, driftwood products are not considered essential goods, so consumers are hesitant to make purchases.

Addressing the challenges of product distribution to "revive" the traditional craft of driftwood and ornamental stone carving in Doan Ket hamlet is a pressing issue for local Party committees, authorities, and businesses. Field observations reveal that the opening of the Hoa Lac - Hoa Binh road has significantly reduced the volume of people and vehicles traveling on National Highway 6 through the commune. Furthermore, local products have been slow to improve in design and lack diversity to attract consumers.

Furthermore, creating unique, high-quality handicrafts that serve both as goods and works of art requires artisans with extensive experience, keen observation skills, and a keen aesthetic sense. However, the reality at driftwood carving workshops in the area shows a shortage of experienced and skilled artisans; instead, the workforce relies on on-site training. This leads to products whose quality, creativity, and aesthetics do not meet market demands.

Doan Ket Hamlet, the cradle of the driftwood carving craft, now has only a few efficiently operating production facilities.

Comrade Nguyen Anh Duc, Chairman of the People's Committee of Luong Son commune, said: "To revive the driftwood craft village in Doan Ket hamlet, first and foremost, each production facility must research and invest in modern equipment and technology, attract skilled craftsmen to improve quality and design while also lowering production costs. Production facilities also need to focus on and invest in introducing and promoting their products on e-commerce platforms, websites, and social media... so that a large number of consumers know about the products. In the future, the local government will also focus on building a brand for Doan Ket hamlet's driftwood products. At the same time, we will strengthen trade promotion activities, advertise products, and actively connect to find markets for the products."

Duc Anh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/tim-huong-di-cho-lang-nghe-go-lua-lam-son-236689.htm