Why Mangalore is India’s exotic fruit basket

Bengaluru: Driving from the southern coastal city of Mangalore towards the Western Ghats, along the winding paths of the small town of Mudibidri, you will be forgiven for missing the most famous farm of the region.

Unless you have heard of its fame and are specifically looking for the Soans Farm, you will drive past the farm like you are passing by any forested land. But, once inside, you will surely not miss the sight, sounds and smell of this exotic land.

Located on the outskirts of a heritage town with temples and ancient structures steeped in more than thousand years of history, Soans Farm now attracts as many enthusiasts as the town’s legacy once did.

An hour’s drive from Mangalore, nestled on the foothills of the Western Ghats, this sprawling natural wonder is a mini fruit and spice paradise.

Growing some of the most exotic fruits and herbs from across the globe, the farm is a delight for nature lovers.

Spread across hundred acres and existing for almost hundred years, the farm has a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Despite the tropical weather, the richness of the biodiversity and the nurturing shades of centuries old trees ensure a comfortable atmosphere in the farm.

Adding to this, a passionate host family and an army of farm staff ensure your trip and stay in the farm are truly nourishing.

As you walk or drive along the tree-lined main boulevard of the exquisitely maintained farm, you will be welcomed by the unmistakable melodies of a range of birds.

Apart from the fruits that draw tourists to the farm, the facility is home to more than 100 species of birds, including peacocks who undoubtedly add colour to the environs.

The serenity of the fruit park is best enjoyed strolling along the tree-lined avenues and fruit orchards. The fresh air tinged with the delicious smell of a variety of fruits will certainly help you relax and soothe your nerves.

History

The farm was started by the Swiss and German missionaries of Mangalore’s Basel Mission in 1926 as a pilot project. The idea was to bring the hilly wastelands of the region under cultivation, using the abundant rainfall for irrigation.

Over the years, the farm has been developed into a large centre for innovation in horticulture, growing over 30 varieties of crops like pineapple, coconut, cashew, mango, chickoo, vanilla, areca, bread fruit, banana, jack fruit, cocoa and several spices such as pepper, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon etc.

“My father A.G. Soans was a pioneering horticulturist of the region and he loved experimenting with fruits and seeds. He had his training from the Allahabad Agricultural Institute. When he returned armed with a degree and training he found opportunity in this farm that was being operated by Basel Mission,” said Dr. Livingston C. Soans, who is now at the helm of the farm.

Himself a veteran agriculturist and biologist, Dr. Soans credits his father for imbibing in him the love for nature and for planting the seeds of experimentation in him.

“My father had set the foundations for all the experimentation, he was the one who introduced pineapple, vanilla and some spices and worked very hard to make the farm a reality. When the missionaries were leaving, he was able to buy the farm from them. We are reaping the fruits of his hard work now,” added Dr. Soans, who brought in several innovations and transformed the farm into a pioneer in fruit business.

Dr. Soans has been at the helm of this sprawling farm for almost 50 years now, bringing his training, education and international exposure to full use at the farm.

A Fulbright scholar from the University of Montana, Dr. Soans completed his doctoral studies in the University of Montana in the US and taught biology there for a few years, before returning home to concentrate on developing the farm.

“Though, I had a great job in the university, my heart was here in the farm. I had been away for a long time studying. But what was the point if I could not apply my knowledge here in my homeland. If I had not returned all my father’s hard work would have withered away. My return has been so satisfying, you can see the fruits now,” he added.

After his return in 1966, Dr. Soans applied himself fully, along with his younger brother, in successfully developing multi-cropping system with several models of complimentary crop combinations like coconut, pepper, pineapple, mango and vanilla.

Juicy treat

Pineapple has been the main crop of the farm since 1930 and it has been further developed. The fame of the Soans pineapples have reached all around the district and state, with families and enthusiasts making a beeline to the farm during the summer harvest to enjoy some of the juiciest varieties of pineapples.

The farm is a major source of employment for the locals, with its canning factory giving ample work throughout the year.

The factory converts surplus fruits into juice and jam, with the farm’s unsweetened pineapple juice being especially nourishing. The Soan Farm’s artisanal nutmeg jam is also particularly popular.

Another major effort of Dr. Soans in the farm has been the introduction of fruits from other tropical lands, such as Rambutan, Mangosteen, Durian, Langsat and Dragon Fruit from Thailand and Malaysia, Egg Fruit from South America, Cola Nut from Africa, Macadamia from Australia, some commercial timber species from Brazil and many varieties of Bamboo from Myanmar.

Additionally many medicinal plants are also grown here.

For decades now, the farm has been a great centre of learning for farmers from different parts of India as well as students of agriculture. It is also a source of great curiosity for travellers from India and abroad.

Cruise ships that call on the Mangalore port, regularly bring hordes of foreign tourists who are interested in seeing tropical fruit crops and spices.

Being a nature retreat, with rich biodiversity, it naturally attracts wildlife of a wide variety including more than 100 species of birds and some rare sighting of animals.

Students who are interested in studying plants and bird life closely can avail the facilities of staying in the farm.

Natural healing

The farm is also a centre of alternative lifestyle and energy healing, drawing a range of seekers.

Dr. Soans is an experienced energy healer, exploring dowsing, pyramids, Native American medicinal wheel and labyrinths.

“We have built a new medicinal wheel now drawing from the ancient knowledge of Native Americans, it has great healing properties,” says Dr. Soans.

Ideally situated on the southern foothills of the Western Ghats, the farm is a perfect base from which to explore the rainforests of Dakshin Kannada.

Surrounded by more than a millennium old Jain heritage, the farm allows cultural and folk experiences such as Yakshagana and Mangalore’s famed Buffalo race.

One can also explore the quaint heritage town, walking down the historic streets of Moodabidri to explore the Jain architecture of the town.

Whether you want to dabble into heritage or not, the stunning natural diversity the farm offers and its juicy fruit treats are enough for a relaxing visit to Soans Farm.

For the best experience, visit around May-June, which is the peak pineapple harvest season. The monsoon rains during this season will add to the aura of the place while bringing down the temperature, adding more exotic value to your experience.

— Shafaat Shahbandari is a freelance journalist based in Bengaluru and founder-editor of Thousand Shades of India