Joseph Lobo belongs to Shankarpur, Udupi, Karnataka and he started his career as a driver. However, his passion for nature and a desire to contribute positively to the environment inspired him to explore farming. Starting with jasmine cultivation, a prevalent crop in his village, Joseph's initial farming ventures were filled with optimism. However, the logistical challenges and limited space associated with traditional farming quickly became significant hurdles.
Embracing Terrace Farming
Determined to continue his career in agriculture itself, Joseph decided to start terrace farming. This shift allowed him to overcome space constraints and explore a wider range of crops. One of his most notable achievements in this new venture has been the cultivation of Miyazaki mangoes. This premium Japanese mango variety is known for its exceptional sweetness and quality. Joseph proudly states, “In India and in Gulf countries, I am the first one growing Miyazaki mangoes on the terrace.”
Joseph's Miyazaki Mango Success
Miyazaki mango, also known as the Egg Mango due to its unique shape, is a premium fruit with a high market value. Priced at up to Rs. 2.74 lakh per kilogram. Cultivating Miyazaki mangoes requires patience and dedication, as these trees take approximately three and a half years to bear fruit. Joseph’s achievement is particularly significant because he has managed to grow these delicate mangoes in a terrace setting, which is not commonly seen in India or the Gulf countries.
Joseph doesn’t use any special techniques for growing Miyazaki mangoes but uses organic practices for its cultivation. He uses organic manures, bio compost, and cocopeat, and employs organic liquid Activzyme or Activmax to support plant growth.
Instead of selling his fruits, Joseph focuses on selling plant saplings for Rs. 2,500 each. As a grafting specialist, he has distributed these saplings to cities like Kolkata, Bangalore, Mangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat, and Delhi. Despite not having an online service, the quality of his saplings attracts buyers who visit him in person. Notably, a businessman from Mumbai recently purchased 100 plants from him.
Air Potato: A Revolutionary Crop
Another highlight of Joseph’s terrace farm is the air potato. Unlike conventional potatoes, which are grown underground, air potatoes grow above the soil. This unique characteristic allows a single air potato root to produce up to 500 potatoes and a single plant can give profit for a whole year. This crop not only offers a high yield but also represents a more sustainable approach to potato farming.
A Hub of Diversity and Innovation
For the past 20 years, Joseph has been immersed in farming. His terrace farm is in 1,400 square feet of area, in which he grows over 350 varieties of fruits and vegetables, both Indian and international. His collection includes nearly 70 varieties of cherries, such as Barbera, British, and Cocoplum cherries, and 30 varieties of mangoes, including Katimon, Vastara, Kalapadi, Mallika, Neelam, Ratnagiri, Baramasi, and of course, Miyazaki. His lemon varieties include Finger lemon, Variegated lemon, Kolkata lemon, and Seedless Malta.
Lifelong Learning and Recognition
Joseph is a constant learner, regularly attending Krishi Expos to acquire new techniques and discover unique plants. This dedication has enabled him to cultivate such a diverse array of plants. His contributions to agriculture have not gone unnoticed. He has been honored by organizations like Lions Club, Rotary, Jasmin Business Center, and Manipal Technologies Limited (MTL).
Educator and Advocate for Sustainable Farming
Joseph’s contributions extend beyond his own farm. He actively participates in Krishi Expos across India, constantly learning new techniques and acquiring unique plants to further enhance his farm. His commitment to education is evident through his free consultations for farmers, which he offers every evening from 6 PM to 8 PM. His YouTube channel serves as a platform to raise awareness about fruit and vegetable cultivation, as well as to highlight issues within the agriculture sector.
In addition to his farming activities, Joseph runs a small nursery, produces his own manure, and provides landscaping services for farmers. Supported by his wife and a team of 15 laborers, Joseph’s work in agriculture is both extensive and impactful.
A Vision for the Future
Joseph Lobo’s advice to fellow farmers and the general public is simple yet powerful: “Never use chemicals that are in the market; they are poison. Use organic techniques, conserve nature, and move toward sustainability.” He concluded with the statement –“Every home should have at least one plant.”
Joseph Lobo's journey from a driver to a celebrated urban farmer exemplifies how passion and perseverance can lead to groundbreaking achievements in sustainable agriculture. His innovative terrace farming techniques serve as an inspiration, reminding us of the profound impact we can have by nurturing even the smallest patch of green.
