In the rich landscapes of Kota, Rajasthan, lies an extraordinary tale of mango cultivation. A tale spearheaded by Mr. Kishan Suman, who resides in the tranquil village of Girdhavapur, situated 15 kilometers away. Not just any mango, but the world-renowned Miyazaki variety.
Mr. Kishan, with a modest 2-acre landholding, embarked on this ambitious journey by planting 3 saplings of the Miyazaki variety. This year, to his exhilaration, the trees bore their maiden fruits. Distinctive in its appeal, the Miyazaki mango stands out with its red peel and a pulpy interior colored in a vivid shade of orange. The texture? It’s reminiscent of soft jelly, and the taste is unparalleled in its sweetness. This variety, often hailed as the world’s priciest mango, commands a staggering Rs 2.7 lakh per kilogram.
While most mangoes boast a yellowish hue, Miyazaki’s vibrant red sets it apart. Originating from the balmy climes of Kyushu Island in Japan and sunny Florida in the U.S., it was in the 1980s that Japan first introduced this variety, specifically for regions with hot weather. The fruit’s sweet profile comes from its heightened sugar content, approximately 15% more than its counterparts. Under optimal conditions, each Miyazaki mango can weigh around 350 grams.
Curiosity piqued? Kishan’s initial spark of interest was ignited by a YouTube video. Impressed and intrigued, he delved into discussions with friends about its viability in Indian conditions. Seeing an opportunity to profit, Kishan decided to import the plants. It was a friend who, in 2018, brought him three saplings from Thailand. The fruits of his labor were realized when the plants, having grown to 4 feet, started fruiting.
Kishan’s accomplishment didn’t stay a secret for long. A single post on social media unveiled his unique endeavor, leaving many in awe. The international market value of this mango can vary wildly, ranging from Rs 21,000 to a whopping Rs 2 lakh per kilogram.
Even as his mangoes began fruiting, Kishan chose to savor them with his near and dear ones rather than sell. Such is their allure that many expressed an interest in procuring plant samples, with offers ranging between Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.
But Kishan isn’t the lone cultivator of this exotic variety in India. Another farmer from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, took to cultivating Miyazaki mangoes in 2016. Today, he enjoys the fruits of his diligence, having sold them for a notable ₹21000 per kilogram.
In an age of digital enlightenment, Kishan’s story serves as an inspiring testament to how online platforms like YouTube can pave the way for agricultural revolutions, even in the remotest corners of the world.
