Aizawl, Oct. 17 -- A 35-year-old teacher-turned-strawberry farmer from a remote Mizoram village near the Myanmar border has been honoured by the UN food agency in Rome for turning a modest experiment in fruit cultivation into a profitable livelihood.

Mari ZT Lalrithangi from Sangau in Lawngtlai district was among the "FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development" recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as part of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026.

She is the first Mizo woman to receive the recognition and was selected from more than 600 nominees from 131 countries. Two women from India were chosen for the honour.

The award was presented during the World Food Forum at FAO headquarters in Ro...