(Baonghean.vn) - Sticking with the profession of weaving nets for cages and rafts, those working in Trung Son (Nghi Long commune, Nghi Loc district) are always striving to improve their skills. Each weaving line and knot is a meticulous effort to ensure the durability of the product, helping aquaculture farmers to have more bountiful harvests...
The net weaving profession began to appear in Trung Son village in 2009. The person who brought the profession to the village was Mr. Hoang Van Hoi, currently the owner of a business specializing in producing aquaculture cages made of HDPE plastic. Photo: Thanh PhucMr. Hoang Van Than, owner of a cage net weaving workshop in Trung Son village, said: “We have been weaving and sewing nets for cage manufacturing companies for nearly 15 years now. This profession is not technically difficult, but requires meticulousness and carefulness in every seam, stitch, and knot.” Photo: Hoai ThuBecause of that characteristic, the net weaving profession in Trung Son is mostly undertaken by middle-aged women. Because they are diligent, patient and meticulous in their work. Ms. Le Thi Khuong, Head of the Women's Association of Trung Son hamlet, said: "We have now established a Trung Son net weaving group, consisting of 20 members who are women from 30 to 60 years old. At this age, it is difficult to work far away, and to join a company is also too old, so the net weaving profession is truly a "savior" for women. Having a job and income makes the movements and activities of the association more vibrant." Photo: Thanh PhucNet weavers are paid daily, 150,000 VND/8 hours of work per day. In addition, many people also take nets home to weave in their spare time. This translates to an income of 6-7 million VND/person per month. Photo: Hoai ThuNet weavers are mainly women in Trung Son village. At peak times, when there are many orders, workers from Cua Lo are mobilized to work seasonally, with up to hundreds of net weavers. Photo: Thanh PhucRaw materials for weaving nets are imported from Japan and transported to the factory by the company. From the long and wide nets depending on the size ordered by the customer, the workers will measure the length (calculated by mesh size), cut the nets into pieces of different lengths. Photo: Hoai ThuThen, from these specialized threads and needles, the worker will tie the net together into pre-determined mesh sizes. Photo: Thanh PhucNext is to sew the nets together into a complete net cage. Photo: Hoai ThuThe net used for aquaculture is submerged in deep water, so when sewing, in addition to technique and skill, the worker must use force to tie the knots tightly, creating high durability. Photo: Thanh PhucIn particular, the weaving of the net requires meticulousness and care. Because if the mesh is not measured properly, the food will leak out, costing the farmer money. If it is too thick and not well-ventilated, the seafood will grow slowly and accumulate waste. Photo: Hoai ThuThe brand of cage net weaving is determined by carefulness. Each worker always puts prestige and quality first. The weaving and braiding stages are carried out with utmost care, without any cheating. Photo: Thanh PhucTherefore, it takes a lot of time to weave a complete net. “A small net (4x4m) takes about 3 days; a medium net (4x8m) takes about 5 days and a large net (20x10m) takes about 30-35 days,” said Hoang Thi Thu, a net weaver. Photo: Thanh PhucAfter weaving, the nets are gathered at one location and the company will come to collect them, bring them back to produce aquaculture cages, sell them nationwide and export them to Southeast Asian countries. Photo: Hoai Thu
