Lemongrass Cultivation and Peeling Provides Sustainable Livelihood in Vietnam's Tan Phu Dong

In the coastal commune of Tan Phu Dong, Vietnam, the humble lemongrass plant has transformed into a vital source of sustainable income. Where salty soil once hindered rice cultivation, lemongrass now thrives, providing a resilient livelihood for the community.

The transformation is particularly evident in the women's work. Day after day, they gather to peel the mature outer layers of the lemongrass stalks. This meticulous work, often done with calloused hands marked by years of labor, generates crucial income that helps families cover their living expenses. For many, this local work allows them to remain in their hometown rather than seeking employment elsewhere.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hong Dieu, a 70-year-old resident, has been peeling lemongrass for over 15 years. She recalls the difficult times when the land's salinity made farming challenging, forcing husbands to seek work at sea or far from home. "Without lemongrass, many people would have had to leave to work as laborers in Binh Duong or Saigon," she noted.

The shift to lemongrass began over 15 years ago, with residents converting unproductive land into lemongrass fields. This agricultural change not only provides the raw material for processing but also created a new industry: harvesting and preparing lemongrass. The women's work, starting at dawn, involves carefully cutting and peeling the stalks for a modest but essential income, ensuring stability on the island.

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This job is like this. Everyone's hands in this salty region are calloused and scarred. But without lemongrass, many people would have had to leave to work as laborers in Binh Duong or Saigon.