Mukesh Ambani, who is better known for his petroleum, telecommunications industries, is among the country’s leading mango producers.
Reliance Industries, which grows 127 varieties of mango in a 600-acre green belt at its Jamnagar refinery complex, looks to beat Israel and Brazil in productivity, a top company official said. These countries produce 8-10 tonnes of mango per acre against India’s average of 3-4 tonnes.
Under Ambani’s leadership, Reliance Industries Limited has become the world’s largest exporter of mangoes. This transformation from an industrial giant to an agricultural powerhouse is both fascinating and inspiring.
The journey began in 1997 when Reliance faced severe pollution issues at its Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat. To address environmental concerns and warnings from the Pollution Control Boards, Reliance decided to turn the barren wastelands around the refinery into a lush green mango orchard. This initiative aimed to reduce pollution while creating a sustainable green belt around the industrial area.
The orchard, named Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee after Reliance’s founder, spans 600 acres and contains over 1.3 lakh mango trees, encompassing more than 200 varieties. The name draws inspiration from the historical Lakhibag orchard created by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
To overcome challenges like high salinity and arid conditions, Reliance implemented several technological innovations. They set up a desalination plant to provide clean water to the orchard, which significantly reduced pollution levels in the region. They also used advanced agricultural techniques such as water harvesting, drip irrigation, and simultaneous fertilization to ensure the orchard’s success.
The orchard boasts a rich variety of mangoes, including popular Indian types like Kesar, Alphonso, Ratna, Sindhu, Neelam, and Amrapali, as well as international varieties such as Tommy Atkins and Kent from Florida, and Lily, Keitt, and Maya from Israel. Each year, the orchard produces about 600 tonnes of high-quality mangoes, which are sold both domestically and internationally, making Reliance the largest mango exporter in Asia.
Reliance’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the orchard itself. The company encourages local farmers to adopt innovative agricultural practices by distributing one lakh free saplings annually and offering training sessions at the orchard. This initiative not only boosts local agriculture but also reinforces Reliance’s role in promoting environmental stewardship and community development.
Mukesh Ambani’s venture into mango cultivation demonstrates how industrial giants can use their resources to address environmental challenges while creating new business opportunities. The Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee stands as a testament to Reliance’s innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability, making it a global leader in mango exports.
