Indian resident Joseph Lobo cultivates the most expensive Miyazaki mangoes on his terrace, making him the first in the country to do so.
In a remarkable feat, Joseph Lobo, a former driver from Shankarpura, Udupi, Karnataka, has successfully grown Miyazaki mangoes on his terrace. This achievement, which took place on October 18, 2024, has significant implications for urban development in India, as rapid urbanization often leads to a reduction in natural land.
Lobo's terrace garden serves as an inspiring example for aspiring farmers and urban dwellers alike. His 1,200-square-foot rooftop nursery, transformed in 2020, boasts over 350 different plant species, including Miyazaki mangoes, white Java plums, Brazilian cherries, and Taiwanese oranges.
The secret to Lobo's success lies in his innovative approach to soil management and water usage. He practices tank farming, which allows him to cultivate plants without soil and use water that is rich in nutrients, increasing crop yield and reducing water consumption. His unique blend of cow excrement, sheep manure, curd, and vegetable waste has proven to be a successful soil substitute.
Lobo's journey from a conventional driver to a successful urban farmer is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. He engages with local networks by managing studios and providing guidance on patio design frameworks to promote sustainable agriculture and inspire others to adopt innovative methods.
Miyazaki mangoes are globally known as one of the most expensive and prized mango varieties, originally developed in Japan. They are renowned for their bright red color, exceptional sweetness, and high market prices reaching up to ₹3 lakh per kilogram in India. While many Indian farmers have adopted open land cultivation of Miyazaki mangoes in rural or semi-rural settings, Lobo's terrace farming demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating high-value, exotic fruit in limited urban or peri-urban spaces.
This approach aligns with the broader urban agriculture movement that seeks to intensify food production in cities by using non-traditional farming spaces such as terraces or balconies, reducing dependence on rural land and increasing local availability of nutritious foods. By cultivating Miyazaki mangoes, which require specific care but yield high economic value, Lobo opens a path for urban farmers in India to leverage limited space efficiently while tapping into niche markets.
In the future, Lobo plans to research new plant varieties, update existing harvests, and collaborate with universities to develop advanced strategies for urban agriculture. He offers joined saplings for ₹2,500 each, attracting clients from various metropolitan areas.
In summary, Joseph Lobo's terrace farming of Miyazaki mangoes enriches urban agriculture by:
- Validating innovative use of limited urban space for cultivating premium horticultural crops.
- Inspiring urban farmers to experiment with exotic and economically rewarding plants.
- Potentially increasing urban incomes and local fruit availability.
- Demonstrating adaptability of Miyazaki mango cultivation from traditional rural orchards to urban terrace farms.
This case contributes to expanding urban agricultural practices in India beyond leafy greens or small vegetables to include more challenging, high-value fruit crops like Miyazaki mangoes.
- Lobo's innovative terrace farmland, filled with exotic fruits such as Miyazaki mangoes, white Java plums, and Taiwanese oranges, presents an investment opportunity for urban dwellers interested in organic farming and gardening, as part of their lifestyle.
- By cultivating Miyazaki mangoes on his terrace, Lobo not only showcases the viability of sustainable agriculture in home-and-garden settings but also contributes to the food-and-drink industry by introducing a high-value exotic fruit to local markets.
- Lobo's successful terrace farming approach can foster the growth of urban agriculture, promoting the idea that limited urban or peri-urban spaces can be utilized for horticulture, further propelling the urban development agenda in India.
- As an influential figure in urban agriculture, Lobo empowers farmers and urban dwellers alike to explore progressive farming methods, such as tank farming and the use of organic soil substitutes, while expanding the variety of horticultural crops grown locally, such as Miyazaki mangoes.
