Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, May 13: A rare and expensive variety of mango has once again been grown at a private terrace farm in Katapady. This season, two fruits of the famed Miyazaki mango – known to be among the most expensive in the world – have ripened in the home garden of agriculture enthusiast Joseph Lobo from Shankarpura.

Last year, a single Miyazaki mango weighing 750 grams had grown on the same tree. This year, the tree has yielded two mangoes weighing 1.030 kilograms.

The Miyazaki mango is reported to fetch a price of up to Rs 2.74 lac per kilogram. Joseph Lobo had made headlines earlier by successfully growing this rare fruit on terrace using only organic fertilisers and careful maintenance.

Besides the Miyazaki mango, Joseph has cultivated over 400 varieties of fruit-bearing plants in his terrace garden. His efforts in organic farming have earned him several accolades. Alongside organic agriculture, he is also engaged in dairy farming and apiculture, contributing as a resource person in the agricultural sector. He is ably supported in his farming activities by his wife Neem and daughter Janish.

"The mango plant was organically nurtured, and it had bloomed well five months ago. However, due to adverse weather conditions, many blossoms fell off. I’ve managed to harvest only two fruits, which I shared and enjoyed with friends," said Joseph Lobo.