Mizoram's Z T Lalrithangi Named Among FAO's 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) selected Z T Lalrithangi, known as Pi Mari-i, a 35-year-old teacher-turned-farmer from Sangau village, Lawngtlai district, Mizoram, for the 'FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development'. Conferred under the International Year of Women Farmers 2026, it recognises her strawberry cultivation work and makes her the first Mizo to receive the honour. She was chosen from more than 600 nominations across 131 countries, with two Indian women among the 100. The recognition will be presented at the World Food Forum at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, from 12-16 October 2026.
FAO was established on 16 October 1945 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy | World Food Day is observed on 16 October, FAO's founding day | Mizoram became a full state on 20 February 1987 with Aizawl as its capital