Blooming Success: A Mother-Daughter Duo Flourishes in Manipur’s Floral Industry
LIVELIHOOD
Imphal: In the lush, verdant landscapes of Manipur, where rolling hills and vibrant blooms paint a picturesque backdrop, a heartwarming story of resilience and entrepreneurship is unfolding. The state’s floriculture industry is blossoming, driven by its ideal climate and fertile soil, and at the heart of this growth is an inspiring mother-daughter team: Khundrakpam Rani and her mother Nandarani. Together, they have cultivated not just flowers but a thriving business that showcases the untapped potential of Manipur’s floral sector.
Khundrakpam Rani poses with her flowers
Manipur has long been a cradle for floral diversity, with small and marginal farmers traditionally growing flowers like gomphrena, dahlias, roses, celosias, helichrysum, chrysanthemums, and portulacas in their homestead gardens. These blooms have adorned local rituals, garlands, and celebrations for generations. In 2019-20 alone, the state produced an impressive 90 metric tons of cut flowers across 60 hectares, with 86% thriving under open skies and 14% nurtured in protected setups. Yet, what was once a modest livelihood is now transforming into a full-fledged industry, thanks to visionaries like Rani and Krechina.
Mother-daughter realising their dreams today.
The duo’s journey began in their quaint village of Tera Lukram Leirak, in Imphal West district, where Nandarani, a seasoned gardener, tended to flowers with a passion passed down through generations. Rani, inspired by her mother’s love for floriculture, saw beyond tradition—an opportunity to turn their garden into a sustainable enterprise. With determination and a keen eye for innovation, they tapped into the region’s growing support for agripreneurship. Initiatives like gardeners’ skill training programs, access to quality planting materials, and biofertilizers from Agri-Business Incubation Centers became their stepping stones. These resources, championed by the state to promote crop diversification, empowered them to scale their efforts and meet rising market demands.
Scaling their hobby into a Rs. 2 lakhs/ month floral business
From humble beginnings, Rani aided by her seasoned mother, their floral business has bloomed into a symbol of success. Their vibrant bouquets and meticulously crafted arrangements now grace homes, events, and ceremonies across Manipur, earning them a loyal clientele and steady income. What started as a backyard venture has grown into a commercial operation, proving that floriculture can be both profitable and sustainable. Their story resonates with many in the region, where small farmers are increasingly exploring this sector as a viable alternative to traditional crops.
Khundrakpam Nandarani is the inspiration and the backbone of Dry Blooms
Beyond economics, Rani’s triumph is a testament to the power of collaboration and perseverance. As a mother and daughter, they’ve nurtured their bond alongside their business, inspiring other women and young entrepreneurs in Manipur to dream big. Their success shines a spotlight on floriculture’s potential to uplift communities, offering a model for growth in a state brimming with natural promise. In the fields of Manipur, where flowers sway in the breeze, this dynamic duo is sowing seeds of hope, one petal at a time.