Udupi farmer grows world’s costliest Miyazaki mango on terrace

Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 18 May 2024: Shankarapura farmer Joseph Lobo has successfully grown the Miyazaki variety of mango, the costliest and highly demanded mango worldwide, on the terrace of his house. Lobo is renowned for his innovative experiments in terrace agriculture.

 

The Miyazaki mango is a special breed developed in Japan. In Japan, it is grown in a polyhouse with heaters to create a favourable environment. The mango is purple when raw and turns a fiery red when ripe.

 

In the international market, Miyazaki mangoes cost around Rs 2.3 to 2.7 lakh per kilogram. While similar in taste to the Mallika breed of Indian mango, it is highly sought after for its medicinal properties.

 

 

Joseph purchased the Miyazaki mango plant at an agricultural fair in Kannur, Kerala, three-and-a-half years ago. Two and a half years ago, the plant flowered, and now it has produced three mangoes, each weighing 600 to 650 grams, grown with organic manure in a growbag.

 

Joseph notes that while the Miyazaki mango typically achieves its fiery colour in Japan, Arab countries, and even Gujarat, the mango grown in Shankarapura did not attain the same colour, possibly due to unseasonal January rains.

 

Joseph stated, “The Miyazaki mango is also grown in Koppala and Shivamogga districts, but this is the first time it has been grown on a terrace. If planted in soil, it grows up to 15 feet, but on my terrace, it has reached only four and a half feet. With a larger growbag and more organic manure, it could grow to six and a half feet and produce mangoes weighing one kilogram.”

 

He cautions that some nurseries deceive growers by selling Red mango plants instead of the authentic Miyazaki plant, which costs around Rs 2,500, compared to Rs 700-800 for the Red mango.

 

The Miyazaki mango, often called seedless due to its small seed, is rich in antioxidants, Beta Carotene, and Folic acid, which help reduce eye fatigue and vision problems.

 

Joseph Lobo is a progressive agriculturist who has cultivated over 200 varieties of fruits, 75 varieties of medicinal plants, and 40 varieties of flowers on his 1,400 square foot terrace. His terrace farm includes Jawa Plum, Brazilian Cherry, and Taiwan Oranges. He is supported by his wife, Neema Lobo, and his daughter, Janisha Lobo, a karate champion. Joseph does not sell any produce from his terrace garden.