One of the notable beneficiaries of the Horticulture Technology Mission's efforts is Lalthuamliani of Durtlang village, about eight kilometers north of Aizawl.
Lalthuamliani, who began her anthurium cultivation with 1,000 plants, now has 10,500 plants and earns up to Rs 35,000 a month.
She has even been praised by former President A P J Abdul Kalam and Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh at her residence when they came calling to appreciate her efforts.
Another success story is that of Lalzamlovi, a housewife living in Aizawl. She earned Rs 1 lakh from her anthurium garden at Ramrikawn, about an hour's drive from the city, in 2007. She has tripled her annual income since.
The director of the state horticulture department, Samuel Rosanglura, said the launch of the technology mission for northeastern states in 2001-02 was a turning point for the horticulture department in Mizoram.
He said the potential of horticulture as a sustainable means of livelihood has gained more recognition since the mission was launched.
The impact of the technology mission in the state can mainly be felt in the production of cash crops and fruits, but womenfolk in the state mainly benefit from the body's floriculture initiatives.
Anthurium cultivation was introduced under the technology mission by the state horticulture department in November, 2002, by selecting 24 potential growers.
Dr Saipari, the Joint Director of the Horticulture department, said there are now more than 400 anthurium growers, with an average annual income of Rs 6,000 to Rs 20,000, who have united under the banner ''Zo Anthurium Growers Society''.
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