Who Is Z T Lalrithangi? Mizoram Farmer To Receive UN Award For Transforming Strawberry Farming Into A Livelihood

Z T Lalrithangi, a 35-year-old farmer from Mizoram, is set to receive a United Nations award for her pioneering work in transforming strawberry cultivation into a sustainable source of income for rural communities in the northeastern Indian state. The former school teacher is one of 100 women worldwide to be recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for her contributions to agriculture and rural development.

Lalrithangi's innovative approach to strawberry farming has shown how this high-value crop can create new economic opportunities, especially in regions where traditional farming methods may struggle. By leveraging Mizoram's favourable climate and terrain for horticulture, she has brought attention to the state's potential as a leading hub for fruit cultivation.

Through her efforts, Lalrithangi has demonstrated that even challenging crops like strawberries can thrive when farmers adopt modern agricultural practices and tap into emerging market demand. Her work has not only improved livelihoods but also highlighted the untapped potential of Mizoram's horticultural sector, which could benefit from greater support and investment in sustainable agriculture.