Senapati: In Manipur, young women are increasingly pursuing unique, non-traditional careers. Floriculture has emerged as a field that combines creativity with environmental impact, providing new opportunities and supporting economic development.
Chokhone Krichena, a 33-year-old Naga woman from Senapati district, has turned local flowers into a successful floriculture venture, demonstrating how passion for nature can generate economic growth in rural areas.
Krichena, who holds a master’s degree in biotechnology, initially started her floriculture venture, Dianthe Private Limited, as a hobby. She discovered her passion for flowers and officially established the brand in 2021. A native of Mao Taphou village, Krichena also holds a degree in professional floristry.
Speaking to EastMojo, Krichena, who belongs to the Mao Naga tribe, mentioned that almost all the women in her community have been growing flowers in their home backyards alongside organic vegetable farming for their families for generations.
“Our region is highly favourable for growing flowers, fruits, and various vegetables. This tradition has continued since our parents’ time, making cultivation either an inherited practice or a deeply ingrained habit. Nearly every household maintains a kitchen garden where flowers and vegetables are grown simultaneously. As a result, this way of gardening has become an integral part of our lifestyle, reflecting our heritage and close connection to the land,” said Krichena.
With a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement, she currently sources flowers from approximately 500 local women growers. This not only boosts the local economy but also highlights the rich biodiversity of the region.
Her venture not only supports local agriculture but also brings a fresh perspective to floral design, offering unique arrangements that tell the story of her culture. These creations blend traditional elements with contemporary style, ensuring that each bouquet is both meaningful and memorable.
“Our products are only those locally grown flowers that are well adapted in the region, and though we are dealing with both fresh and dry flowers, we are focusing on dry flowers for accessibility and sustainability, especially while shipping the products outside the state,” she said.
Known for their remarkable longevity, Dianthe’s dry flowers are shipped year-round to 18 different states, making them ideal for long-term décor and aesthetic purposes.
According to Krichena, usually it takes about a week to dry the flowers, depending on the variety. However, during the rainy season, she faces challenges with drying and is compelled to use alternative methods such as heaters, fans, or dehumidifiers to ensure the flowers dry properly.
“During the rainy season, it can be quite challenging to prevent damage and rotting of flowers. To address this, we use the shade-drying method, which does not involve any chemicals, allowing us to maintain the quality of our products. Additionally, we have a dedicated storage unit for sourcing and storing all raw materials during the season. This enables us to utilise these materials even during the off-season, ensuring a consistent supply throughout the year,” she said.
Challenges as an entrepreneur
As a young woman entrepreneur, she often encounters unique challenges that go beyond the general difficulties of the profession. Since floristry is frequently perceived as a hobby rather than a profession, people sometimes undervalue her skill and the artistry involved, failing to give equal recognition for the work.
“As a woman entrepreneur, I have faced numerous challenges throughout my journey. Often, I am asked questions that no man would likely encounter, such as being told to ‘get a job’ or being questioned about what I am doing—sometimes, people even assume that I am still unemployed,” said Krichena.
Additionally, Krichena further informed that securing financial assistance has been another hurdle since access to funding remains difficult for many entrepreneurs in the region, especially for women-led businesses. Moreover, being from a hill district, the geographical location brings its own set of obstacles, including logistical difficulties, limited networking opportunities, and poor connectivity. These challenges can make it even more difficult to grow and sustain a successful business as a woman entrepreneur, she said.
Despite all these multiple challenges, Krichena has set her goal and aims to expand her venture globally.
“We plan to grow our business and expand our reach, connecting with more farmers in the future to encourage a shift from traditional farming practices to floriculture. Currently, our operations are limited to the Mao area, but our vision is to include more districts in this venture,” said Krichena.
“Moreover, by engaging with a broader network of farmers, we aim to demonstrate the economic and creative potential of floriculture, fostering new opportunities and transforming local agricultural practices,” she added.
Over the years, her skills and potential floral business have been slowly recognised and appreciated by the community.
Currently, Krichena’s Dianthe has been collaborating with the Airport Authority of India and adorning the Imphal International Airport with her exquisite dried flower assortments, thereby promoting local products.
Imphal International Airport Director, Chippemmi Keishing, said that “Her innovative approach has not only provided sustainable livelihoods but also introduced the beauty of Manipur’s flora to 16 states across India. By integrating her aesthetic designs into the airport’s ambience, we aim to showcase the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of our region to travellers from around the world.”
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to promoting local artisans and integrating indigenous art forms into public spaces,” the airport director added.
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