Reliance's mango miracle: How Mukesh Ambani transformed Jamnagar's barren lands to become world's top exporter
A name synonymous with petroleum, telecommunications and retail, Mukesh Ambani is called a visionary businessman for a reason. Whichever field he picks up, he ensures that he sets a benchmark for others to follow. Leading Reliance Industries Limited, he has expanded the company's influence into agriculture, making it the largest mango exporter globally. This transformation highlights Reliance's shift from industrial dominance to agricultural leadership under Ambani's stewardship.
It all began from barren lands of Jamnagar in 1997
In 1997, when confronted with severe pollution challenges at its Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, Reliance Industries responded with a forward-thinking approach. To address environmental concerns and meet Pollution Control Board standards, the company initiated a project to transform the adjacent barren lands into a vast mango orchard. This endeavor was designed not only to mitigate pollution but also to establish a sustainable green zone around the industrial complex.
The orchard was named after his father: Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee
Covering 600 acres, the orchard, named after Reliance's founder Dhirubhai Ambani, is home to over 1.3 lakh mango trees of over 200 varieties. This homage reflects the historical Lakhibag orchard established by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, highlighting a link between India's storied heritage and contemporary environmental conservation efforts.
The barren lands were transformed with cutting-edge technologies
To flourish in the region's challenging high salinity and arid conditions, Reliance adopted state-of-the-art technologies. This included the installation of a desalination plant to provide clean water, which substantially lowered pollution levels. Advanced agricultural practices such as water harvesting, drip irrigation, and precision fertilization were also implemented to support optimal growth and long-term sustainability of the orchard, according to a report by Financial Express.
Also Read:?How India's Richest Man Mukesh Ambani Earns Money Despite Zero Salary At Reliance?
Varieties of Mango and the orchard’s global impact
The orchard features a wide range of mango varieties, including well-known Indian types such as Kesar, Alphonso, Ratna, Sindhu, Neelam, and Amrapali, as well as international cultivars like Tommy Atkins and Kent from Florida, and Lily, Keitt, and Maya from Israel. With an annual production of around 600 tonnes of premium mangoes, Reliance has positioned itself as Asia's leading mango exporter, serving both domestic and international markets.
Reliance Industries not only focuses on its own sustainability efforts but also actively contributes to community development. Each year, the company distributes 100,000 saplings to local farmers, provides training in advanced agricultural techniques, and promotes environmental stewardship. This comprehensive approach highlights Reliance's commitment to sustainable development and leadership in agricultural innovation.
