Mehta obtained three varieties of mangoes — Amarpali, Malda and Mali. “Motivated by the success, I chose to go in for full-fledged plantation of mangoes three year later. Some extra care was needed to save the early plants from frost. I did not use any pesticides or chemicals and tried to cultivate them organically,” he told The Indian Express.

By now, Mehta has nearly a dozen varieties of mangoes in his orchard. The most popular varieties include ‘Dasahari, Langda, Chausa, Ratna, Malda, Mali, Alphonso’ and newer varieties of Annapurna and Ramkila.

Some of the local scientists said the area where Mehta had grown the mangoes may have had its own locational advantages and safety from frost but the experiment would be difficult to replicate in other apple-growing areas as mangoes require a warmer climate.

Mehta, however, said some farmers were taking tips from him. Lending credence to his claim is Hari Man Sharma of village Paniayala in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur, who was in the news last month for producing quality apple, kiwi, lichi and mango in warmer climatic conditions.