Mukesh Ambani, renowned for his vast empire in petroleum, telecommunications, and retail, has made a surprising yet significant mark in agriculture. Under his 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 Origin of the Orchard
The journey began in 1997 when Reliance faced severe pollution issues at its Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat. In response to mounting environmental concerns and warnings from the Pollution Control Boards, Reliance decided to transform the barren wastelands around the refinery into a lush green mango orchard. This initiative aimed to mitigate pollution while creating a sustainable green belt around the industrial area.
Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee
Named after Reliance’s founder, Dhirubhai Ambani, the orchard, known as Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee, spans 600 acres and houses over 1.3 lakh mango trees, encompassing more than 200 varieties. The orchard’s name draws inspiration from the historical Lakhibag orchard created by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
Technological Innovations and Sustainability
To overcome the challenges posed by high salinity and arid conditions, Reliance implemented several technological innovations. The company set up a desalination plant to provide clean water to the orchard, significantly reducing the region’s pollution levels. Additionally, they employed advanced agricultural techniques like water harvesting, drip irrigation, and simultaneous fertilisation to ensure the orchard’s success.
Mango Varieties and Export Strategy
The orchard boasts a rich diversity of mangoes, including popular Indian varieties 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.
Community Engagement and Environmental Impact
Reliance’s commitment to sustainability extends 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 foray into mango cultivation exemplifies how industrial giants can leverage 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 its commitment to sustainability, making it a global leader in mango exports.
