Keeping the fire" of Dong Binh rice paper craft village

Dong Binh rice paper is not only a rustic dish on the daily and Tet meal trays, but also the pride of Tuy Hoa people. To have a standard cake, the maker must be careful from the steps of selecting rice, soaking, grinding flour, spreading it thinly on a red-hot rice husk stove, then drying it in the sun.

Ms. Dang Thi Phim, the eighth generation of the profession, shared: “The traditional profession not only feeds many generations but is also the soul of the homeland. Although it is hard work, I still do it because I love the profession. However, I am very worried that if there is no stable output, the younger generation will not be interested in continuing it.”

Every day, Ms. Dang Thi Phim still meticulously makes rice paper, a traditional job of her family.

In recent years, the emergence of industrial rice paper with cheap prices and diverse designs has made it difficult for handmade products. Ms. Tran Thi Thuy, a villager, confided: “In the past, handmade rice paper sold very well, but now people use machines more and the prices are cheaper, so the output of traditional products is gradually unstable. I still try to keep the profession, but I don’t know how long I can last.”

According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Head of Dong Binh Ward, the locality regularly encourages people to stick with the profession, because this is not only a livelihood, but also a cultural feature. The government also encourages the younger generation to combine working with online sales to both preserve the profession and keep up with current trends.

In fact, Dong Binh rice paper village’s production is still small-scale, lacking investment capital, unattractive product designs, unclear branding, and unstable output. Currently, Dong Binh people really need support from the government and mass organizations for the village to develop sustainably.

According to Mr. Ho Quang Nam, Director of Dong Hoa An Agricultural Service Cooperative, Chairman of Dong Binh Rice Paper Craft Association, this craft village has been around for over 400 years, everyone is passionate, but sometimes the rice paper cannot be sold, so many people quit the job.

Dong Binh rice paper making profession not only feeds many generations but also contributes to preserving the soul of the homeland.

Mr. Ha Van Lam, Chairman of Tuy Hoa Ward Farmers' Association said: "Dong Binh craft village is the pride of the ward. Currently, we are coordinating with Dong Binh Rice Paper Craft Association and local people to build a brand, promote the value of handmade rice paper; connect businesses and distribution channels to bring products to supermarkets and specialty stores. Only then will the villagers feel secure in their long-term commitment."

Recently, the Provincial Farmers' Association coordinated with the Tuy Hoa Ward Farmers' Association to organize a trip for association officials from 102 communes and wards in the province to experience the reality at craft villages. This activity not only contributes to promoting products but also connects consumers inside and outside the province. The representative of the Provincial Farmers' Association emphasized that the association will continue to accompany people through supporting business skills training, improving product quality, and helping members access e-commerce channels. At the same time, the association also aims to build a stable consumption chain with businesses, supermarkets, and wholesale markets; bring products to participate in fairs inside and outside the province, thereby expanding the market and enhancing the Dong Binh rice paper brand.

In addition, the Provincial Farmers' Association also orients the locality to develop craft villages associated with the collective economy and the OCOP program, combining community tourism exploitation to increase value and promote the image of Dong Binh rice paper further...

Thuy Thao

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202509/giu-lua-lang-nghe-banh-trang-dong-binh-d461b6e/