Vietnamese banana fibers reach out to world market
Khai Thai Cooperative in Hanoi is the first Vietnamese business producing fibers from banana stalks. The products have gained favour from overseas markets.
A 100-hectare material supply area where bananas are planted for fibers in Khai Thai commune, Phu Xuyen district, Hanoi. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Farmers conduct preliminary processing on banana trunks to extract fibers. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Following the preliminary processing, banana fibres are dried under the sun. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Banana fibers are braided into a rope. (Photo:VNP/VNA)
Farmers produce hammocks out of banana fibers. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Banana fibers can be used to weave mats and carpets. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Farmers make baskets out of banana fibers. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Handicraft products are made from banana fibers. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Handicraft products are made from banana fibers. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Handicraft products are made from banana fibers. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Handicraft products are made from banana fibers. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Handicraft products are made from banana fibers. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Handicraft products are made from banana fibers. (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Thuận is a third-generation silk maker in the family. After watching villagers in Phung Xa working with old and clunking silk-making machines and knowing that the traditional craft was on the brink of extinction, Thuận wanted to find a new way to help her fellow villagers.