Image Source: ATO News
Mukesh Ambani, India’s leading industrialist, has quietly built Asia’s largest mango orchard—an agricultural marvel that now stands as a global benchmark for innovation and sustainability. Situated in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the 600-acre orchard, which is named after Reliance's founder, Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee, boasts more than 1.3 lakh (130,000+) mango trees and grows over 200 varieties of mangoes, both revered Indian varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, and Ratna, as well as global favorites like Tommy Atkins and Kent from Florida and Israel.
From Barren Land to Mango Kingdom
The process started in 1997, when Reliance Industries was hit by stringent environmental laws for its Jamnagar oil refinery. Instead of taking the traditional remedial measures, the company undertook a pioneering green project—converting desiccated, salt-sodden land into a verdant mango grove. Not only did this assist Reliance in complying with pollution control standards, it also provided an ecofriendly green belt to the refinery.
Innovation at the Core
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Reliance's orchard is a demonstration of the latest in agricultural technology:
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Reliance's desalination plants supply pure water for irrigation, bypassing the high salinity of the region.
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Drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and precision fertilization promote maximum growth and efficiency in use of resources.
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The orchard produces around 600 tonnes of high-quality mangoes every year, much of which is shipped to overseas markets, making Reliance the global leader in mango exports.
Community and Sustainability
Reliance's commitment is not limited to its own ground. The company gives away 100,000 mango saplings each year to farmers in the area and trains them in new farming methods, supporting sustainable agriculture and local incomes. The initiative has employed more than 500 locals and instilled a culture of environmental responsibility in the area.
A Model for Corporate Agriculture
What started as an environmental compliance project has blossomed into a billion-rupee mango business, setting a new standard for corporate-led agricultural transformation. The Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee stands as a testament to how industrial giants can address ecological challenges while creating economic and social value.
“Mukesh Ambani’s foray into mango cultivation exemplifies how industrial giants can leverage their resources to tackle environmental challenges while fostering economic growth.”
Relevant Sources: Financial Express, Times Now News, Business Today, India Shipping News, YourStory, My Pune Pulse
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