Sumanbai Gaikwad from Bhosi village in India, Bhokar taluka, has ventured into cultivating Miyazaki mangoes, a variety recognized as the world's most expensive. These Japanese mangoes, priced up to $120 per piece, are noted for their quality and market demand. Sumanbai received the saplings from her son, Nandkishore Gaikwad, whose career path shifted due to the pandemic.
Nandkishore, originally an aspiring UPSC student, returned to his village after his coaching center in Pune closed. During his online studies, he discovered Miyazaki mangoes and learned about their cultivation in regions such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Parbhani in Maharashtra. Observing its potential, he ordered 10 saplings from the Philippines at $78 each for his mother to cultivate.
After two years, the saplings bore fruit, producing 11 to 12 mangoes per tree. Nandkishore consulted Warpudkar, a Parbhani farmer experienced in Miyazaki cultivation, to set the price at $120 per mango. This initiative spurred local interest in cultivating this variety.
Miyazaki mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, folic acid, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A, supporting cell protection, skin health, immune function, vision, and digestion. The high sugar content offers an energy boost.
The District Agriculture and Grain Festival 2025 in Nanded, organized by the District Collector's Office, Zilla Parishad, and Agriculture Department, highlighted sustainable and profitable farming. Collector Rahul Kardile emphasized the importance of innovation in agriculture. The event featured 82 stalls where farmers sold products directly to consumers, including organic grains and artisanal foods.
Source: Bharat National