Indian farmer accidentally grows 'world's most expensive mangoes'

Indian farmer Sankalp Singh Parihar has hit the jackpot when it comes to mangoes after purchasing a special mango sapling for a mere ₹2,500 ($33 USD) on a train. Four years later and the plant is now growing a particular type of mango that is red and pink appearance. It turns out that these are Japanese Miyazaki mangoes, which are the most expensive variety of mango on the market that can fetch up to $3,600 per kilogram.

Image credit: Kopytko Alexey via Flickr

Image credit: Kopytko Alexey via Flickr

Businessman across India offered Parihar large sums of money for the rare fruit, causing him to realise that he had grown something truly special. The fruit originates from southern Japanese island of Kyushu and requires very special conditions to grow.

The mangoes have to be suspended in the air using nets to ensure that each fruit weighs 350 grams and that the sugar content is perfect. Parihar grew these mangos like "any other ordinary Indian variety" and through India's ideal environment, the expensive fruit was successfully grown.

Unfortunately for Parihar, thieves stole 14 mangoes from his farm after news of his success reached the public. As a result, he has now hired a team of security guards to protect the 52 mangoes that he possesses. "My vision is that every Indian household should be able to afford this mango", he told VICE in an interview.