Udupi farmer who makes Rs 3 Lakh/Kg of mangoes from his terrace garden

Imagine waking up one morning to discover that a fruit you’ve grown in your own terrace garden for your family is worth between Rs 2.5-3 lakh per kilogram.

When Joseph Lobo first heard this news, he couldn’t believe it right away.

“I knew the mango variety was rare and expensive, but I had no idea it could fetch such a high price. Initially, my family and friends enjoyed the first harvest without knowing its true value,” the farmer shares with The Better India.

Lobo cultivates the Miyazaki Mango, a Japanese variety renowned as one of the most expensive in the world. He is among the few farmers in India who have successfully grown this prized fruit.

Apart from this variety, Lobo tends to over 200 other types of plants, including fruits and flowers, all on his terrace farm. What’s more, he practices organic farming techniques such as hydroponics.

Here’s the remarkable story of this modest farmer’s thriving terrace farm—

“I only have a terrace,” says Lobo.

Born in a small village in Udupi, Lobo grew up in a family deeply rooted in agriculture. “Farming was all I knew during my childhood. I always felt a strong connection with plants,” he recalls.

Though some might find it unusual for a young person to choose farming as a profession, Lobo’s passion never wavered. “I wanted to explore innovative and sustainable ways of growing plants. I knew from the outset that farming is more about passion than profit,” he explains.

He continues, “Unfortunately, our family lands were tied up in a legal dispute, depriving us of our only means of support. My dream seemed out of reach for a while, but I remained determined.”

Armed with his farming knowledge, Lobo began consulting and landscaping for others.

“I also wanted to ensure my family ate healthy, chemical-free food. Unwilling to compromise on quality, I decided to start farming on my terrace. It wasn’t large, but it was enough to pursue my dream and feed my family well,” he says.

Lobo turned to online resources and YouTube tutorials to learn how to set up a terrace garden. Today, his terrace boasts 32 jasmine plants, three of which utilize hydroponics, alongside 200 varieties of fruits like mulberry, chikoo, and various mangoes.

Growing the world’s most expensive mango variety—

“After successfully growing various gulf berries and some mangoes on my terrace, I thought, why not try Miyazaki? I knew it was challenging to grow in India,” he recounts.

Unaware of its exorbitant value, Lobo treated the Miyazaki Mango like any other plant. “At that time, I didn’t give it any special treatment. I used my regular mix of organic nutrients that I give to all my plants. It took three-and-a-half years for the plant to bear fruit, and my family and I consumed it without realizing its worth,” he admits.

“It was during a visit by a news reporter covering my terrace farm that the true value of the mango was revealed,” he adds.

“Since then, I’ve received numerous requests to learn how to cultivate it. However, I have little to offer beyond sharing my soil mixture,” he remarks.

Describing the variety, Lobo explains, “Originating from Japan, where mangoes are traditionally grown in polyhouses due to unsuitable weather conditions, the Miyazaki mango is prized for its health benefits and distinctive taste.”

He shares his “magic” mixture, composed of nine minerals made from cow dung, sheep manure, homemade curd, and vegetable waste, all with high nutritional value beneficial for plant growth.

“For the Miyazaki mango, I blend 50% of this mixture with 50% soil in a grow bag,” he reveals.

All the manure comes from his own cows, which are fed organic food for quality produce.

“I adamantly avoid chemical insecticides, opting instead for a mixture of neem oil which I spray on the plants,” he declares.

Lobo maintains the mango’s health by administering the mixture every 30 days and plans to use the existing plant as a mother plant to propagate more.

“Although I no longer intend to sell the fruit, reserving it for my family and friends, I’ve started cultivating mini plants for others to purchase and try growing. This year, I’ve produced 25 and already sold 13,” he concludes.

If you’re a gardening enthusiast like Lobo, you can purchase these plants for Rs 2,500 each by contacting him at 96110 12451.