He was born in a family having a tradition of making rice paper, thus after finishing high school, he decided to make rice paper as his occupation. He is Mr. Nguyen Thanh Rang, who was born in 1961 and is living at Ben Giang hamlet, Phu An commune, Ben Cat town.
He has made rice paper for 30 years. This job has had ups and downs. Previously, Phu An rice paper was a prosperous brand. But now, income from this job is unstable. Therefore, many people have given up their job. However, Mr. Rang is different.
Despite of difficult situation, in 2011 he decided to purchase new machines worth VND700mln. The machine, which was bought in Cu Chi district, can produce rice paper with high productivity. At the present, he employs 15 workers with an income of VND200,000/person/day. His factory can produce daily 400 kilograms (kg) rice paper, even reach a peak of 700 kg. These then will be sold with a prize of VND25,000/kg.
According to Mr. Rang, powder to make rice paper is essential to quality of the rice paper. He procures good powder in Tay Ninh province. Consuming market of his rice paper is from Phu Giao district to Loc Ninh, Phuoc Long of Binh Phuoc province and neighboring provinces.
Drying area also determines rice paper yield. He now has to rent additional area to dry rice paper. A busy day at his factory begins at 5 am with rice paper coating, then drying at 7 am, and harvesting at 9 am.
Drying rice paper under the sun can get high quality than drying in ovens. Hence, it depends so much on the weather. When it rains, the output lowers. He is faced now with many difficulties, e.g. weather and output price. But he still dedicates himself to his family’s traditional profession.
“There are still many difficulties to make rice paper, but love this profession. It requires real devotion in order to stay with the job”, said Mr. Rang. His endeavors to develop family business were recognized by the title of “Farmer doing excellently production” in 5 consecutive years.
Reported by H.Nhung, N.Huong – Translated by Ngoc Huynh
