When Nandkishor Gaikwad was poring over UPSC textbooks in his modest room, little did he know that his future success would grow not from administrative power but from fertile soil. Today, the young farmer from Nanded, Maharashtra stands as India's newest agricultural sensation, cultivating the world's most expensive mango – the Japanese Miyazaki – which commands an astonishing ₹10,000 per fruit.
Gaikwad's path to agricultural entrepreneurship began after five years of government exam preparation yielded no results. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced a nationwide lockdown, he returned to his village facing an uncertain future. Instead of viewing this as defeat, he saw opportunity in his family's neglected land.
"When I first returned, people thought I had failed," Gaikwad recalls. "But I saw potential where others saw barren patches."
With determination and research-driven techniques, he transformed unproductive land into a thriving orchard now home to over 10,000 fruit trees. His diverse cultivation includes guavas, jamun, custard apples, and traditional mango varieties.
However, it's his 2024 initiative to grow the rare Miyazaki mango that has catapulted him into the spotlight. These distinctive ruby-red mangoes, originally from Japan, are coveted worldwide for their exceptional nutritional profile rich in antioxidants and folic acid. Weighing over 350 grams each, these premium fruits have found enthusiastic buyers at agricultural exhibitions across Maharashtra.
"The Miyazaki requires precise cultivation techniques and specific climatic conditions," explains agricultural scientist Dr. Priya Deshmukh. "Gaikwad's success demonstrates both agricultural acumen and entrepreneurial vision."
The Miyazaki joins India's pantheon of premium mangoes, though it substantially outprices even luxury domestic varieties. The Alphonso (Hapus), long considered India's premium mango, typically sells for ₹300-600 per kilogram. The Ratnagiri Alphonso with GI tag can reach ₹1,500 per dozen in peak season. The rare Jardalu mango from Bihar with its unique aroma commands ₹700-800 per kilogram, while Karnataka's Imam Pasand fetches approximately ₹400-500 per kilogram.
Gaikwad's orchard has become a learning center for aspiring farmers, with visitors seeking insights into sustainable high-value agriculture. Local agricultural officials now reference his methods in farmer training programs.
"My UPSC preparation wasn't wasted," Gaikwad reflects. "The discipline, research skills, and persistence I developed studying for those exams became the foundation of my agricultural success."
His journey from examination halls to orchard rows offers a powerful reminder that success often grows in unexpected places – sometimes at ₹10,000 per fruit.
