Horticulture Department sources here said the temperature requirement of Anthurium is below 300C and above 140C with minimum humidity of 50% which is the prevailing natural climatic condition of Mizoram . “Outside this, the plants get damaged. The shelf–life of Anthurium if cut at the right time is one month.  Initial investment of its cultivation is expensive, requiring extensive investment and the Horticulture department was not able to initiate cultivation owing to lack of funds under the State budget even through the suitability to Mizoram conditions was confirmed “sources claimed.
Mentionably, when TM programme was implemented in the year 2006, the Department immediately seized the opportunity. To start with, twenty four families were selected. They were given proper training on farming process with emphasis on its prospects as a possible business venture. It also ensured land preparations in accordance to its requirement as proper drainage is compulsory. No wonder then that shade – nets, cocopat et al were provided and when the cultivators were ready for planting, 800 nos of quality plants imported from Netherlands (Holland) were given to them.      
Right from the initial stage , the concerned authorities maintained close supervision and what surprised and encouraged them was the determination, enthusiasm and hard work the cultivators devoted to this new venture.
It is worth mentioning here that the anthurium plants showed health and vigour and a remarkable achievement was made when in just nine months, flowers of very superior quality were seen. Within eleven months, with increase in flower size, anthurium cultivators were able to harvest their first cut flowers for sale outside the state. The first consignment of Anthurium cut flowers left Aizawl on October 2003.
No wonder then that encouraged by the success of the first venture, and the presence of an assured national and international market, the Zoramthanga led Ministry is expanding areas of anthurium cultivation every year by selecting new beneficiaries as well as enhancing progressive farmers having the capacity.
Observers here opined that the craze for the exotic, classy and trendy Anthurium cut flower is contagious, creating an ever increasing demand. Not surprising that there is high demand for flowers within the state for special occasions, churches, functions, funerals, weddings and home arrangement. Debut consignment of the flowers was sent to Al-Locrity International LIC, UAE (Dubai) last August (2007) and has been followed by continued flow.
Notably all along the way, ZOPAR Export Pvt. Ltd, a Bangalore based Florist has contributed active support imparting technical expertise in pre and post harvest of the Mizoram grown anthurium cut flowers.
Remarkably, behind the success of Anthurium cultivation in Mizoram lies the unique contribution of the cultivator’s love for flowers, their hard work , dedication and determination with which they (women) tendered their crops is reflected in their achievement, i.e. production of world class cut flowers.
In the process, the womenfolk have established sustainable livelihood to support their families, raising the standard of living, generated employment, paved the way for women empowerment and finally raised the economy of the state by creating a channel for cash inflow into the State. Its not surprising then that working side by side with the Government, is the strong and active Zo-Anthurium growers Society Ltd. an all women member Society first formed in 2002 by the agile 24 anthurium growers who were also women .
However, according to Rosanglura, the drawback is that cultivation of Anthurium in Mizoram is still at a small scale with growers having 1000 to 3000 plants which unfortunately does not earn maximum profit, considering the cost of inputs. He said maintaining quality  of products and preserving the cut  flowers from damage by insects and post- harvest handling requires extensive care and caution which can be very extensive.
“Growers themselves deliver their home –packed cut flowers to the Florist which is also expensive both in terms of conveyance cost and time consuming, the flowers are constantly subjected to damage enroute”, Rosanglura said , adding, it is the utmost desire of the Department to enhance Anthurium Cultivation as a commercial venture approach as its viability is confirmed by Agro –Climatic suitability and feasibility, assured market and eagerness of the cultivators.
“Area Expansion by enhancement of existing units and selection of new potential beneficiaries to increase production to 65, 00, 000 cut flowers per annum by 2010 is the only way to achieve an effective and meaningful upliftment of the economy of the farmers in Mizoram”, he added.

Veejay Chhetri