Aizawl: ZT Lalrithangi, a strawberry grower from Sangau village in south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, has been selected among 100 women from around the world for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations’ “100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development” award.The award will be conferred as part of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026. Lalrithangi is one of two women selected from India from more than 600 nominations received from 131 countries.She has been invited to receive the award at World Food Forum event to be held at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, from Oct 12 to 16. She is the first Mizo to receive the recognition.The FAO selected Lalrithangi for her dedication to strawberry cultivation and her commitment, enthusiasm and sustained work in agriculture and rural development. It described her efforts as an example for other women in the sector.Lalrithangi began cultivating strawberries in 2024 on two hectares of land. Her annual income from the venture is reported to be between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.Besides selling fresh strawberries, she has diversified into value-added products, including wine, dehydrated strawberries and candy. She is also working with Krishi Vigyan Kendra on strawberry juice production.Earlier, she was recognised as Lawngtlai district’s best farmer at Horti Fair, Mizoram 2026.
