In Ta Lanh, listen to the rhythm of silkworms.

Amidst the changing pace of modern life, traditional crafts still exist. However, to further develop these crafts, projects supporting the development of mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing models under the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas have breathed new life into this land.

We returned to Ta Lanh in the last days of the year. The weather was chilly, but the sun was still strong enough to dry the shimmering golden silk threads that the villagers were drying in front of their houses.

Beside the loom that has been her companion since childhood, Ms. Lu Thi Kim (born in 1974) nimbly weaves silk threads through the fabric with quick, decisive hands. She loves weaving so much, because it has been her support system, helping her raise her children after her husband passed away 20 years ago. Life is difficult, but in return, she possesses some of the most skillful hands in the village. Her silk brocade fabrics are truly exquisite and vibrant.

Holding a Thai dress with delicate patterns and vibrant colors of the mountains and forests in her hands, she smiled brightly and confided that while in the past silkworm farming didn't provide enough raw materials for weaving, now she can confidently buy silk from mulberry growers and silkworm farmers right in her village.

These households are pioneers among the women who participated in the mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing model implemented by the commune's People's Committee since 2023.

To revitalize the local brocade weaving craft, for the past two years, local Party committees, authorities, and women's associations at all levels have worked alongside women to successfully implement the "Sub-project to support the construction of mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing models under the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in 2023".

The project was implemented with a total budget of over 170 million VND. Of that, more than 61 million VND was allocated to support the provision of mulberry saplings. In addition, households also received support in the form of fertilizers, barbed wire for protecting the model, and training on how to grow mulberry trees effectively.

The sub-project has brought renewed joy to the women in Ta Lanh. This is a land with a long-standing traditional weaving craft; out of over 100 households in the village, 93% are Thai ethnic people. However, currently only about 15% of households still practice the craft. When the model came into operation, it provided the women with mulberry saplings along with fertilizer, silkworm larvae, and barbed wire to protect the model.

To support women in the output stage, the People's Committee of the commune and women's associations at all levels in the area will contact organizations, businesses, and brocade weaving villages to sell products in two main forms: selling cocoons, selling silk, or selling finished fabric after weaving.

It is estimated that each year, mulberry growers and silkworm farmers harvest 8-9 batches of cocoons, bringing in an income 5-6 times higher than growing rice or corn on the hillsides, becoming a driving force for them to continue to stick with this traditional profession.

Although the project will end at the end of 2025, the desire for continued support to ensure the sustainable development of traditional crafts remains a common aspiration of the people of Ta Lanh.

Driven by this aspiration, the women in the village continued their efforts to expand mulberry gardens, sharing experiences in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing, and encouraging and supporting each other in the production and consumption of their products.

Leaving Ta Lanh as the last cocoons of the day were neatly stacked in front of the houses, the scent of young mulberries still lingered in the evening breeze. Perhaps behind each cocoon is not only a story about making a living, but also a hope for a bright future woven from the very traditional values ​​of their homeland...

Thanh Quynh