The value of sedge products is increasingly enhanced.

People benefit

Under the sun in the coastal area of ​​Ninh Binh in mid-April, the workers’ calloused hands are still diligently weaving each shiny sedge thread. This seemingly simple task now has a completely different meaning, when the Kim Son sedge craft is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage from April 25, 2024.

At the sedge production facility of Mrs. Phan Thi Ngoan (residing in An Cu 2 hamlet, Thuong Kiem commune), the enthusiastic working atmosphere is clearly visible, the workers are diligently making each product. Mrs. Ngoan said that the sedge weaving profession in Thuong Kiem has been associated with many generations, now that it is recognized as a heritage, the people are very happy.

According to Ms. Ngoan, Kim Son sedge craft has a history dating back to the 19th century, associated with the land reclamation work of the residents of the Northern Delta. Sedge, a saltwater-loving plant, has become a valuable source of raw materials for people to create unique products. From the initial rudimentary sedge mats, through the skillful hands of artisans, it has developed into hundreds of sophisticated products such as handbags, hats, decorative carpets, souvenirs, etc.

“In the past, sedge weaving was considered a side job, done during the off-season. But now, the value of sedge products is increasingly increasing, and it is recognized as a heritage craft, so the number of orders and people's income has increased a lot. Currently, my facility is creating regular jobs for 6 workers with an income of 300,000 VND/person/day. In 2024, from the production, direct sales and connecting to purchase and sell sedge products for more than 100 households, after deducting all expenses, I will have a profit of nearly 300 million VND" - Ms. Ngoan said.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nguyet (living in An Cu 2 hamlet) said: She has more than 10 years of experience in weaving sedge. Previously, the products were only mats, carpets... but now, the profession has developed, there are many orders, so we have to constantly update new designs to serve the increasingly high tastes of the market. "If you have good skills and work hard, a worker can earn 400,000 VND/day. The good thing about this profession is that it is not bound by time, you can do it anywhere, so it is very convenient for people who are often busy with farming and family like me" - Ms. Nguyet said.

Enhance the value of craft villages

Mr. Nguyen Khai Hoan - Chairman of the People's Committee of Thuong Kiem Commune said: Currently, in the locality, there are about 1,200 households engaged in sedge weaving. According to Mr. Hoan, in recent years, this profession has developed very strongly, many establishments export sedge products to Japan, Korea and European countries, earning large profits. "In 2024 alone, revenue from the production and processing of sedge products in the area reached nearly 40 billion VND" - Mr. Hoan proudly said.

Speaking to Dai Doan Ket Newspaper reporter, Mr. Tran Anh Khoi - Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Kim Son District People's Committee said: In the district, there are currently nearly 30 enterprises producing sedge products, attracting about 1,000 regular workers. In addition, there are tens of thousands of workers who are farmers and laborers who take advantage of their free time to weave sedge and have good income. "Sedge products in Kim Son have been exported to nearly 20 countries, of which many products have achieved OCOP certification from the province such as sedge mirrors, sedge bags, vases, etc. In 2024, revenue from sedge processing in the district is estimated to reach nearly 200 billion VND" - Mr. Khoi said.

Mr. Pham Van Sang - Head of the Department of Culture and Information, Kim Son District People's Committee said: Currently, the whole district has 25 traditional craft villages, mainly sedge craft villages. Behind the achieved results, Mr. Sang said that there are still many difficulties and challenges to preserve and enhance the value of traditional sedge craft. In particular, the most serious problem is climate change causing the sedge growing area to increasingly narrow; the wave of urbanization leads to a shortage of labor when many young people choose to work as workers instead of pursuing the profession; along with that, there is fierce competition from cheap industrial goods...

To find a sustainable direction in the future, Mr. Sang added: The District People's Committee has also coordinated with the provincial tourism promotion center to hatch the idea of ​​forming a tour, connecting locations in the area such as: Phat Diem Church - Phat Diem covered bridge - Bai Ngang - Con Noi - Kim Son sedge village... "If implemented, in addition to exploring tourist destinations, visitors can witness the process of making products, from planting sedge, harvesting to weaving finished products. We determine that preserving sedge is not only preserving cultural heritage, but also sustainable economic development" - Mr. Sang said.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/suc-song-di-san-nghe-coi-kim-son-10304148.html