A 35-year-old former schoolteacher from Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, Z T Lalrithangi, has been selected for a United Nations recognition for her work in agriculture and rural development. Popularly known as Pi Mari-i, Lalrithangi transformed strawberry cultivation into a profitable livelihood after starting with around 1,000 plants in 2024. She now cultivates more than 10,000 strawberry plants across two hectares in Sangau.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has named her among its 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development. She will receive the recognition at the World Food Forum at FAO headquarters in Rome in October 2026.
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Key Facts
- Farmer: Z T Lalrithangi, popularly known as Pi Mari-i
- Age: 35
- Location: Sangau, Lawngtlai district, Mizoram
- Recognition: FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development
- Organisation: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- Initial strawberry plants: Around 1,000
- Current cultivation: More than 10,000 strawberry plants across two hectares
- 2024 earnings: Around ₹1.5 lakh
- 2025 strawberry earnings: More than ₹10 lakh
- Award event: World Food Forum, Rome
- Event dates: October 12–16, 2026
From Schoolteacher to Successful Farmer
Z T Lalrithangi, a former private-school teacher from Sangau in south Mizoram, has gained international recognition for her agricultural work.
The FAO selected her among 100 women recognised for their contributions to agrifood systems and rural development. The selection forms part of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026.
Lalrithangi was selected from more than 600 nominees representing 131 countries. She is also one of two women from India included in the recognition.
Strawberry Farming Transforms Her Livelihood
Lalrithangi started growing strawberries in 2024 after learning about successful strawberry farmers in neighbouring Siaha district.
Initially, she planted around 1,000 saplings on farmland about five kilometres from Sangau. Her first-year earnings reached approximately ₹1.5 lakh, encouraging her to expand the operation.
Today, she grows more than 10,000 strawberry plants across two hectares. She also cultivates avocado, banana and other fruits and vegetables.
Her strawberry earnings crossed ₹10 lakh in 2025. In addition, she processes part of her strawberry harvest into wine for sale in local markets.
FAO Recognition in Rome
The FAO informed Lalrithangi about her selection through an email on September 21. She has been invited to receive the recognition during the World Food Forum at FAO headquarters in Rome, scheduled from October 12 to 16.
The Mizoram Horticulture Department had also informed her about the selection.
Lalrithangi said her journey was driven partly by her desire to become financially independent and explore opportunities beyond conventional employment.
Learning Farming Through Self-Study
Before entering agriculture, Lalrithangi completed a postgraduate degree in Sociology from IGNOU and worked as a private-school teacher.
After unsuccessful attempts at several competitive examinations, she decided that government employment should not be her only path to earning a livelihood.
However, strawberry cultivation initially came without formal training. Lalrithangi said she learned farming techniques through online tutorials, particularly videos available on YouTube, while also observing other growers.
Managing the farm alongside raising three children required additional effort. She studied cultivation techniques during her available time and continued developing her farming knowledge.
Family Support Behind Her Success
Lalrithangi’s husband, who works at a state-run primary school, and her parents-in-law have supported her agricultural activities.
The couple also spends weekends working at the farm, while hired workers assist when necessary.
Although she initially approached authorities for government assistance, she said strawberries were not covered under the relevant departmental project at that time. She continued independently, while government support was later extended in different forms.
Earlier State-Level Recognition
Lalrithangi’s work had already received recognition within Mizoram. She was named the best farmer from Lawngtlai district at the Mizoram Horti Fair 2026.
Her latest international recognition marks another milestone in her agricultural journey.
Questions and Answers
Who is Z T Lalrithangi?
She is a 35-year-old farmer from Sangau in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district and a former schoolteacher.
What award has she received?
She has been selected among the FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.
How did she start strawberry farming?
She began with around 1,000 strawberry saplings in 2024 after learning about successful cultivation in Siaha district.
How much did she earn from strawberries?
Her strawberry earnings reached around ₹1.5 lakh in 2024 and crossed ₹10 lakh in 2025.
Where will she receive the recognition?
She has been invited to receive the recognition at the World Food Forum at FAO headquarters in Rome.
Location Context
Mizoram’s hilly terrain and rural communities provide opportunities for high-value horticulture and diversified farming. Lalrithangi’s strawberry venture highlights how farmers in Northeast India are exploring alternative agricultural livelihoods and markets.
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