Meet Chokhone Krechina, the Flower Lady of Manipur Who is Setting an Example With Her Flower Business
First Published: 18th January, 2025 20:41 IST
The flowers cultivated in these hills are now sold in 16 Indian states, including Assam, Nagaland, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
By Moirangthem Nganbarel
In the serene village of Taphou, in the Senapati district of Manipur, a remarkable story of resilience and transformation unfolds. Chokhone Krechina, a 32-year-old entrepreneur, is redefining what is possible for her community. From cultivating decorative flowers on the rugged hillsides, she has built a thriving business that earns over Rs. 15 lakh annually and reaches customers in 16 states across India. Her journey is not just about personal success but about inspiring an entire community to embrace sustainable and meaningful livelihoods.

Manipur’s vast hill ranges are often considered conducive only to traditional farming or, in some cases, illegal poppy cultivation due to its lucrative returns. However, Chokhone’s initiative has demonstrated a compelling alternative, floriculture. Unlike poppy farming, which brings with it societal and legal challenges, floriculture offers a sustainable source of income while positively impacting the environment and uplifting the community.
“The hills have untapped potential. It’s not just about growing flowers; it’s about creating hope and opportunities,” she shared in an exclusive interview with Northeast Live.

The daughter of Daiho Kaihar and D. Katiya, she graduated from Wadia College in Pune and later pursued a master’s degree in biotechnology from Assam Down Town University. Her career in a pharmaceutical company in Bangalore seemed promising, but the COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point.
“During the pandemic, I realised I wanted to create something meaningful back home. I wanted to combine my love for flowers with a purpose that could uplift my community,” she stated.
This realisation brought her back to Manipur, where she envisioned turning her passion for flowers into a business with a social mission.

In July 2021, Chokhone launched Dianthe Private Limited, a floriculture company specialising in the cultivation and marketing of decorative flowers. Starting small, she collaborated with farmers from Mao village, including many women, and hired four full-time employees. Together, they began cultivating a variety of flowers such as Bunny tails, Statice, Helichrysum, Gypsophila, Ammobium, Gomphrena, Millet, and Celosia.
The initial days were challenging. Many farmers were sceptical about the profitability of flower cultivation. “They thought flowers wouldn’t sell or that it was too risky,” Chokhone recalled. “But I assured them there’s a market, and we could make this work together.”
Her determination paid off. Today, Dianthe collaborates with over 80 farmers, helping them earn four times more than they did with traditional crops. The flowers cultivated in these hills are now sold in 16 Indian states, including Assam, Nagaland, West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi. The company is also exploring international markets, aiming to take their vibrant blooms to a global audience.
Innovating Beyond Flowers
Dianthe Private Limited doesn’t stop at selling dried and fresh flowers. The company has diversified into creating candles, bouquets, gift items, and epoxy flower decorations, giving its products a unique appeal in urban markets. “Dried flowers are biodegradable and can last for a long time. We are also exploring innovative ways to turn them into unique products for urban customers,” Chokhone said.
This creativity has given Dianthe an edge in the competitive floriculture market, making it a trailblazer in the industry.

Challenges of a Remote Enterprise
Operating a business in a remote, hilly region like Senapati comes with its share of obstacles. Water scarcity during the growing season and poor transportation infrastructure are two significant hurdles.
“Sometimes it’s hard to ensure the flowers reach the markets on time due to poor connectivity. Water is another issue, especially for large-scale flower cultivation. But we’ve managed to adapt and push forward,” Chokhone said.
Despite these challenges, her determination and innovative problem-solving have enabled her to scale her operations steadily.
While Chokhone has achieved remarkable success, she is aware of the potential for even greater impact. “With additional funding, we could improve infrastructure, train more farmers, and take our products to international markets. There’s so much potential waiting to be tapped,” she added.

Her vision includes creating a more extensive training program for farmers, improving irrigation systems, and building better logistics to ensure the flowers reach markets faster and in optimal condition.
Chokhone’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Her enterprise was recognised as one of the winners of the Kula Innovate Challenge 2024, celebrated for its transformative impact in the floriculture sector. She has also showcased her work at numerous exhibitions and participated in conferences, earning admiration from peers and industry experts alike.
Through her vision and hard work, Chokhone Krichena is proving that the hills of Manipur are fertile not just for crops but for opportunities and prosperity. Her story is a testament to how one person’s determination can transform an entire community, replacing despair with hope and illegal practices with sustainable, meaningful livelihoods.
As she continues to inspire others, Chokhone envisions a brighter, more sustainable future for the hills of Manipur, a future where success and beauty bloom together, spreading far and wide like the flowers she nurtures.
Also Read: Why Manipur Athletes Are Protesting, Threatening to Boycott National Games?
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