In the serene town of Shankarpur, Udupi, a farmer named Joseph Lobo has been making headlines for his extraordinary agricultural endeavours. Lobo, a resident of this coastal Karnataka region, has transformed his 1,200-square-foot rooftop terrace into a lush garden of rare and exotic fruits, with his prized Miyazaki mangoes standing out.
Among the myriad of plants that adorn his rooftop, the Miyazaki mangoes have garnered particular attention. This Japanese variety, renowned for its exceptional taste and medicinal properties, is not just any mango; it’s a luxury fruit. Priced at a staggering Rs 3 lakh per kilogram, each mango fetches approximately Rs 10,000.
Lobo’s venture into cultivating these mangoes began in 2023, but it wasn’t an immediate success. The first year proved unproductive due to unfavourable weather conditions. However, undeterred by the initial setback, Lobo persevered, and this year, his efforts bore fruit—quite literally.
Beyond the Miyazaki mangoes, his terrace is a vibrant ecosystem housing an array of rare and exotic fruits. Among these are white Java plums, Brazilian cherries, a rare Taiwanese orange breed, and the highly popular Shankarpura jasmine.
The diversity doesn’t end there. Lobo’s green haven includes all-season mangoes, seven varieties of cherries, white violets, seedless lemons, and the remarkable Miracle Fruit. His interest in medicinal plants and vegetables further enriches the garden, making it a holistic and self-sustaining ecosystem. In addition, Lobo practices beekeeping, which not only aids in pollination but also enhances the overall health of his plants.
He is recognised as the first hydroponic farmer in Karnataka to cultivate jasmine using hydroponic techniques. This soilless method of cultivation, which involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water, has enabled him to produce high-quality jasmine on his terrace as well.
Lobo’s agricultural expertise extends beyond horticulture. His diverse farming activities include dairy farming and honey production too. His rooftop garden also features an eclectic mix of plants such as rudraksha, camphor, date, banana, and black pepper.
The Miyazaki mangoes, however, remain the crown jewel of Lobo’s garden. Known for their distinct flavour and medicinal properties, these mangoes are highly sought after. Speaking to Local18, Lobo highlighted that several farmers in India have ventured into cultivating Miyazaki mangoes, attracted by their high market value. The combination of exceptional taste and health benefits justifies their premium price.
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