Joseph Lobo’s foray into farming began with jasmine cultivation, a popular crop in his village. Despite his initial optimism, he faced significant challenges due to the logistical constraints and limited space inherent in traditional farming methods. These hurdles prompted him to seek alternative solutions that would allow him to continue his agricultural pursuits.
Embracing Terrace Farming
Determined to remain in agriculture, Lobo embraced terrace farming, a method that alleviated space constraints and provided him the flexibility to explore a broader range of crops. This innovative approach allowed him to cultivate a variety of plants in a limited area.
One of Lobo’s most notable achievements has been the successful cultivation of Miyazaki mangoes, a premium Japanese variety celebrated for its exceptional sweetness and quality. Known locally as the Egg Mango due to its unique shape, the Miyazaki mango commands a market price of up to Rs. 2.74 lakh per kilogram. Growing these mangoes is a lengthy process, requiring about three and a half years for the trees to bear fruit. Lobo proudly states, “In India and the Gulf countries, I am the first one growing Miyazaki mangoes on the terrace.”
Organic Practices and Economic Impact
Lobo’s cultivation of Miyazaki mangoes is distinguished by his use of organic farming techniques. He employs organic manures, bio compost, and cocopeat, and utilizes organic liquid Activzyme or Activmax to support plant growth. Rather than selling the fruit, Lobo focuses on the sale of plant saplings, priced at Rs. 2,500 each. As a skilled grafting specialist, he has distributed these saplings to various cities, including Kolkata, Bangalore, Mangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat, and Delhi. Notably, a recent transaction saw a businessman from Mumbai purchase 100 plants from him.
Introducing Air Potatoes
Another highlight of Lobo’s terrace farm is the air potato, a crop that grows above the soil, unlike traditional potatoes. This unique characteristic allows a single air potato root to produce up to 500 potatoes, providing a year-round yield. This sustainable approach to potato farming offers both high productivity and environmental benefits.
Diverse Agricultural Practices
For the past 20 years, Joseph Lobo has been immersed in agriculture, transforming his 1,400-square-foot terrace into a diverse farming space. He cultivates 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 the Miyazaki. His lemon varieties include Finger lemon, Variegated lemon, Kolkata lemon, and Seedless Malta.
Lifelong Learning and Recognition
Lobo’s commitment to agriculture is reflected in his continuous pursuit of knowledge. He regularly attends Krishi Expos to learn new techniques and discover unique plants. His dedication has earned him recognition from several organizations, including Lions Club, Rotary, Jasmin Business Center, and Manipal Technologies Limited (MTL).
In addition to his farming activities, Lobo runs a small nursery, produces his own manure, and provides landscaping services for farmers. His efforts are supported by his wife and a team of 15 laborers. He also offers free consultations for farmers every evening from 6 PM to 8 PM, and his YouTube channel serves as a platform to educate others about fruit and vegetable cultivation and to address issues within the agriculture sector.
A Vision for the Future
Joseph Lobo advocates for organic farming practices, advising against the use of chemical pesticides. He emphasizes the importance of sustainability, stating, “Never use chemicals that are in the market; they are poison. Use organic techniques, conserve nature, and move toward sustainability.” He also encourages every home to have at least one plant, reinforcing his commitment to promoting green spaces.
Joseph Lobo’s evolution from a driver to an urban farming innovator exemplifies how passion and perseverance can lead to significant achievements in sustainable agriculture. His innovative terrace farming techniques and dedication to environmental stewardship serve as an inspiring example of the impact that can be achieved by nurturing even the smallest patch of green.