OCOP of indigo

With a desire to preserve and promote the beauty and cultural values of traditional attire, the cooperative group for traditional Nung ethnic group’s clothing production in Thien Thuat commune has focused on developing its ethnic costumes into OCOP (One Commune One Product). This effort has helped increase members' incomes while spreading local cultural values to the wider community.

To gain a better understanding of how these traditional garments are made, we visited Khuoi Y hamlet, Thien Thuat commune, in early June 2025 to meet with members of the cooperative group. Deputy Head of the group, Nong Thi Hoa, shared with a smile: “Since childhood, I was taught by my grandmothers and mother how to dye fabric with indigo and how to sew our everyday clothes, as well as the beautiful garments worn on festivals, New Year, or weddings. However, with the changes of society, the traditional craft of indigo dyeing and ethnic costume-making of the Nung people in Thien Thuat faced the risk of fading away. To preserve and promote the cultural values of our traditional clothing, our cooperative group was formed at the end of 2024 with ten members. Our goal is to combine economic development with the preservation of local cultural identity and to turn Nung traditional garments into OCOP.”

In joining the cooperative group, besides being equipped with basic sewing techniques, members also receive direct guidance from elderly artisans with experience in making traditional costumes.

Hoang Thi Duyen, from Ban Chuc hamlet, Thien Thuat commune, shared: “Before joining the group, I know nothing about dyeing, sewing, or embroidery. But now I’ve learned how to cut, sew, and tailor Nung ethnic garments. I’m very happy because I can use my spare time from farming to learn a new skill and earn some extra income.”

Sharing more about the journey of transforming traditional attire into an OCOP product, Nong Thi Hoa, Deputy Head of the group, explained: “It takes a lot of time and steps to make a set of traditional Nung clothing. Normally, we spend 15–20 days dyeing the indigo fabric and another 2–3 days sewing the garments. From using locally grown indigo plants to preserving traditional production methods, we put our hearts into every stitch. In addition, with support from the District Division of Agriculture and Environment, we’ve invested in telling the product’s story, designing packaging and branding, and promoting our products on social media and e-commerce platforms. Every step—from dyeing, cutting, and sewing to buttoning—is done by our members, which helps retain the unique charm of the clothing. As a result, our products are becoming increasingly popular among customers both inside and outside the province.”

Currently, each set of Nung ethnic clothing is sold by the cooperative group for between VND 1 million and 2.5 million, depending on size and customer requirements. A typical male outfit includes a hat, shirt, and pants; a female outfit includes a headscarf, shirt, and pants. Since its establishment, the group has received more than 50 orders for traditional clothing and accessories for events, competitions, and festivals within and beyond the district. The tailoring work has provided stable jobs for the group’s members.

Hoang Thi Anh, Head of the Division of Agriculture and Environment of Binh Gia district, noted: “Thien Thuat is a remote commune in difficult conditions within Binh Gia district. For many years, the indigo dyeing and traditional costume-making of the Nung people here have been preserved. With the right approach, the cooperative group in Thien Thuat commune has been contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of local ethnic traditions. In May 2025, at the district-level OCOP product evaluation and rating conference, the group’s product received high praise and was awarded a 3-star OCOP rating. This is also the district’s first OCOP product in the category of textile and handcrafted clothing.”

Traditional attire is not only a cultural symbol but also embodies the artistry and creativity of each ethnic group. With their innovative approach, the cooperative group for traditional Nung clothing in Thien Thuat commune is playing an important role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Nung people—both within Thien Thuat commune and across Binh Gia district.