Young Vietnamese farmers revive lost crafts with modern twists
A new generation of young farmers in Nghệ An Province is bringing back traditional crafts once thought lost. In Buồng Hamlet, Tôn Long Quý, 35, has led efforts to restore mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing, while Trịnh Thị Kim Oanh, 33, has modernised sugarcane processing in Tiền Độ Hamlet. Their work is helping local communities reclaim old trades with fresh approaches. Quý's family first tried mulberry growing and silkworm rearing in 2002 but struggled due to limited funds and poor technical skills. Years later, he reintroduced the practice, this time using floor-based rearing with wooden trays. The new method cuts labour by half and produces cocoons that meet export quality standards.
His cooperative now includes 12 households, five of them run by young farmers. Together, they form a tight production chain, earning around VNĐ10 million (US$380) in profit per silkworm cycle—with up to 10 cycles possible each year.
Meanwhile, Oanh has revitalised sugarcane production by improving filtration and expanding her product line. Her molasses and raw sugar recently received a three-star OCOP certification, recognising their quality and market potential.
Hoàng Thị Thu Thanh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union, notes that the success of these crafts comes from blending older generations' experience with the creativity of younger farmers. Their willingness to experiment and use available support has been key to the revival. The return of sericulture and molasses production is already changing local economies. Quý's cooperative and Oanh's certified products show how traditional trades can thrive with modern techniques. Both projects now serve as models for other communities looking to restore old industries.
