As the sun begins its ascent, the day starts early for Bay and his family, dedicated farmers working on the Lepironia articulata grass farm.
This article takes you on a captivating journey into the life of a Vietnamese farmer, shedding light on the arduous yet rewarding process of cultivating grass straws.
What Makes Grass Straws Special?
Grass drinking straws are not created equal. Lepironia.com, a renowned company, crafts their straws from the stems of a specific grass variety known as Lepironia articulata. This unique grass, found exclusively in Southeast Asia, boasts a circular structure that lends itself perfectly to the creation of eco-friendly drinking straws.
The Day Begins
Bay’s family rises with the dawn, embarking on their morning routine. Personal hygiene takes precedence, followed by a simple breakfast of rice or instant noodles. As Bay sips his tea and smokes, he eagerly awaits his wife’s preparation of their lunch. Meanwhile, he double-checks his toolkit, ensuring he has a knife, sickle, provisions for lunch, water, a mobile phone, medical oil, and a special liquor to share with a friend.
Prepared and ready, Bay and his wife embark on a picturesque journey, accompanied by the enchanting sight of the sunrise, the crisp air enveloping them, and the melodies of birdsong. Immersed in nature’s embrace, the farmers draw strength from their surroundings, fueling their spirits for the day ahead.
Arriving at the Farm
After a thirty-minute journey from their home, Bay and his family reach their Lepironia articulata grass farm. Along the way, they exchange customary morning greetings with neighboring farmers, setting a lunch appointment to share a meal. This time-honored tradition exemplifies the generosity that characterizes the lives of people in the South.
Once pleasantries are exchanged, Bay and his family dive into their primary task. The men set out to collect the Lepironia articulata grass, while the women meticulously select and pack the finest stems for the supplier. Depending on the number of orders and required quantity, Bay can collect up to 50 packages in a single day. On the farm, their responsibilities extend beyond harvesting, encompassing essential tasks such as weeding, fertilizing, and maintaining the optimal water supply to foster the growth of Lepironia articulata grass.
Selecting the Finest Stems and Enjoying Lunch
Only the highest-quality Lepironia articulata stems, meeting stringent standards for grass straws, are chosen. Armed with a sickle, Bay carefully cuts the sturdy stems, delivering them to his wife. With a discerning eye, she selects the cream of the crop. This meticulous process continues until the sun reaches its zenith, at which point they break for lunch and a well-deserved respite.
Lunchtime brings simple yet satisfying fare—a steaming bowl of stewed fish and spinach, prepared beforehand. A typical meal for a Vietnamese family in the Mekong Delta features sour soup, vegetables, and rice. As the afternoon stretches ahead, they indulge in two additional snacks to sustain their energy.
While the wives prepare lunch, the men grill savory treats. Within minutes, everything is ready, and they savor their meal, exchanging tales of their lives. Although their faces bear the marks of toil, they revel in the freedom their work brings, tinged with a hint of underlying anxiety. Post-lunch, they relax over tea, while the men enjoy a final smoke, preparing themselves for the tasks that lie ahead.
The Day’s Work Comes to a Close
Today has been a fruitful day of labor, yielding 40 packages of top-quality grass stems. Bay and his family take a moment to inspect their tools and survey their Lepironia articulata grass farm, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the supplier. With each package of grass stems valued at 35,000 VND, today’s earnings amount to approximately 1.4 million VND. While not extravagant, it provides for their daily and monthly needs. Their humble aspiration is for Lepironia articulata to thrive abundantly, free from pests, and for grass straws to command a fair price in the market, granting them greater stability in their profession.
As the sun begins its descent, Bay and his family make their way back home, enveloped in the tranquil ambiance of their surroundings. Yet, their worries and anxieties persist.
However, Lepironia.com aims to alleviate their concerns by committing to purchasing a substantial quantity of Lepironia articulata grass stems from farmers like Bay. With their high material standards and significant international orders, Lepironia.com strives to empower farmers and provide them with a secure focus on their craft.
