Women of Bac Khanh Vinh commune: Additional income from weaving palm leaves

Take advantage of available raw materials

The Buong leaf weaving group was established in May 2024 with 10 members, mostly Raglai people. Ms. Cao Le Han - Head of the Buong leaf weaving group said that in the locality and some neighboring areas, there is a natural source of Buong leaves, so when working in the fields or having free time, women go into the forest to find and cut leaves to bring back to work. Here, people only use green Buong leaves, so the products made have a characteristic green color.

Weaving palm leaves can be done in free time or during farming hours.

Normally, after cutting fresh leaves, people will dry them, then tear them into separate branches, strip the fibers to tie them into strips, and roll them into circles, each roll is 12m long. According to Ms. Han's experience, to make the leaf fibers even and beautiful, after cutting fresh leaves, she will tear them into separate branches, tie them into bundles, and leave the leaves overnight before drying them. "Tearing the leaves into separate branches when they are still fresh will be easier and the leaves will not break. The branches that are separated when dried will dry quickly; the leaves will stay straight, not bend when dried in the sun, and retain their green color better," Ms. Han shared. To support older members who are not strong enough to cut and transport leaves, Ms. Han provides raw materials for the women to work together.

Create regular jobs

According to the members of the group, learning to weave the leaves is not difficult, but to do it quickly, one must go through a period of practice. Once proficient, one can still do it without looking at the leaves. This job does not require a fixed time, and can be done all year round, so anyone can do it. Ms. Cao Thi Hoa (Ba Dui village) - a member of the group said that she has been doing this job for more than 10 years. In addition to farming time, she often takes the time to weave the leaves at noon, in the evening or in her free time. Each roll of leaves is sold for 3,000 VND if the leaves are cut by herself and 1,000 VND/roll if the leaves are provided by others. To make a 12m long roll, she usually spends more than 1 hour. If she concentrates, she can make 5 to 6 rolls a day, earning extra income for her family.

People dry the leaves.

Previously, people sold to traders for 2,000 VND/roll. When the group was established, Ms. Han and the Women's Union of the commune contacted and searched for outlets for the products. After that, the members supported each other in transporting the products to sell to get a better selling price. About once every half month, Ms. Han collected the products of the group members and transported them to Tan Dinh commune to sell for 3,000 VND/roll. Each time, she collected from 300 to 500 rolls to help sell, without charging wages to support each other, especially the members who did not know how to ride a motorbike.

Ms. Cao Le Hang - Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the commune, President of the Women's Union of Bac Khanh Vinh commune said that weaving palm leaves can take advantage of free time to do and can be done all year round, so it helps members have a regular income. When the Palm Leaves Weaving Group was established, members had more opportunities to learn, exchange experiences and support each other in the process of making and consuming products. Members were also trained in supporting women in starting a business and other contents to gain more knowledge in life. In the coming time, the association will continue to expand the model for more members to participate, helping women have the opportunity to earn more income to take care of their families.

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/kinh-te/202507/phu-nu-xa-bac-khanh-vinhthem-thu-nhap-tu-dan-day-la-buong-4c75944/