73 traditional craft villages in Phu Tho province have been recognised and restored by the provincial People’s Committee. The villages have helped to restructure the workforce and increase locals’ income.

Hung Lo villagers take advantage of sunny days to dry vermicelli. (Photo: phutho.gov.vn)

Amid the current development trend, craft villages have invested much in scientific and technological applications to improve product quality and enhance coordination among farmers, the state, scientists, and businesses.

Craft villages in Phu Tho specialize in such areas as carpentry, rattan and bamboo weaving, tea processing, farm produce, conical hat making, brocading, construction, ornamental tree growing, and pet trading.

Phu Tho intends to develop non-agricultural crafts, consumption markets and branding, restructure the rural economy, create jobs, tap local potential, and preserve traditional cultural identities.

Vu Quoc Tuan, Head of Phu Tho’s Rural Development Branch, said, “Over the years, Phu Tho has initially succeeded in selling craft products, increasing income, and developing the craft village and the local economy in general.”

Pursuing a craft village development plan towards 2020, Phu Tho has enhanced communications, advertisement, production links, and ensured product output. It is also promoting the recognition of further craft villages and protection of brands.

Cao Dang Duy, head of Hung Lo Rice Vermicelli Village in Viet Tri city, said, “Our village has prospered in recent years thanks to the establishment of a cooperative and the registration of Hung Lo rice vermicelli trademark. I’m the third generation making rice vermicelli. Many locals have left to do other business but then returned to the traditional craft. Rice vermicelli, which was branded last year, is now available nationwide and we hope to export it in the future.”

Le Thanh Trung of Van Du carpentry village in Doan Hung district said many households have invested in advanced machinery to increase productivity and income.

“Since craft villages have been restored, locals like me have a stable income averaging USD 220 a month. Our living conditions have improved,” Trung added.

Gia Thanh palm leaf conical hat making village. (Photo: dulichphutho.com.vn)

Every year, Phu Tho updates locals on regulations and laws relating to the craft villages’ production and trading.

The Department of Science and Technology has worked with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and foreign partners to help village households access IT to improve their products.

Nguyen Huu Hong, director of Phu Thinh Tea Processing Cooperative, said, “Our cooperative was established in 2016. The German Cooperative Federation has provided us technical support and training to improve tea processing capacity. We have also been supported by the Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute to improve the value of the tea brand. We are glad to receive help from the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Agricultural Expansion Center to develop a safe, clean tea production process. Now Phu Thinh tea brand is being protected.”

VNF/VOV