Joseph Lobo's journey into the world of farming took an unexpected turn when he discovered that the Miyazaki mango, a rare Japanese variety he cultivated in his terrace garden, sells for Rs. 2.5-3 lakh per kg.

“I knew the mango variety was rare and expensive, but I didn’t realise how costly it could be,” says Lobo, who is one of the few farmers in India to have successfully harvested the fruit.

Raised in a family where farming was a vital lifeline, Lobo’s early dreams were thwarted by land conflicts, leading him to explore alternative farming methods like hydroponics and organic techniques on his terrace. “I had wanted to try out new ways of growing plants effectively and profitably. I knew getting into the profession that it is more passion-driven than profit,” he says.

Unaware of its astronomical market value, Lobo and his family consumed the first yield. It was only during media coverage of his terrace farm that the true value of his produce was made known to him.

Since then, he’s been inundated with requests to learn his methods, though he modestly admits his knowledge is mostly confined to a unique soil mix comprising cow dung, sheep manure, homemade curd, and vegetable waste — a formula enriched with nine essential minerals.

Lobo explains that the Miyazaki mango originates from Japan, where the climate isn’t ideal for mango cultivation. Farmers there often use polyhouse techniques to grow them. He prefers using neem oil instead of chemical insecticides, as they harm plants. Every month, he applies this mixture to keep the Miyazaki mango healthy.

He prefers using neem oil instead of chemical insecticides, as they harm plants. Every month, he applies this mixture to keep the Miyazaki mango healthy.

“I do not intend to sell the fruit anymore. It is for my family and friends to consume,” he says. Instead, Lobo is using the current mango plant as a mother plant to grow mini plants for others to buy and grow. This year, he has grown 25 minis and sold 13 already.