Reliance’s 600-acre Jamnagar orchard, Asia’s largest, earns millions with 600 tonnes of mangoes yearly. Discover its sustainable success! #RelianceMangoOrchard
In Jamnagar, Gujarat, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has cultivated the Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee, Asia’s largest mango orchard, spanning 600 acres and producing over 600 tonnes of premium mangoes annually. Known as the Reliance mango orchard in Jamnagar, this agricultural powerhouse was created to address environmental challenges while building a multi-million-dollar business through global exports and domestic sales. With over 130,000 trees, 200+ varieties, and innovative sustainable practices, the orchard has become a global leader in mango exports from India. This article explores why and how the orchard was established, its business operations, earnings, and unique specialties.
Why the Orchard Was Created
The Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee was launched in 1997 to tackle environmental concerns raised by the Pollution Control Board regarding Reliance’s industrial operations in Jamnagar. The arid, saline landscape posed a challenge, prompting Reliance to create a green belt to mitigate pollution and comply with regulations. Named after founder Dhirubhai Ambani, a mango enthusiast, the orchard also reflects a cultural passion for India’s “king of fruits,” inspired by Mughal Emperor Akbar’s historic Lakhibag orchard in Darbhanga, Bihar.
The initiative aimed to transform barren land into a productive ecosystem, aligning with Reliance’s commitment to sustainable agriculture in India. Beyond environmental compliance, the orchard was envisioned as a commercial venture to capitalize on India’s mango heritage, targeting both domestic markets and global export demand, particularly from non-resident Gujaratis and international buyers.
- Reasons for Creation:
- Address Pollution Control Board’s environmental concerns.
- Create a sustainable green belt in arid Jamnagar.
- Leverage India’s mango market for commercial success.
- Honor Dhirubhai Ambani’s love for mangoes.
How the Orchard Was Built
Transforming 600 acres of saline, arid land into a thriving orchard required innovative agricultural techniques. Reliance faced challenges like low rainfall and high soil salinity, unsuitable for traditional farming. To overcome these, the company implemented advanced methods, including drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and fertigation, to optimize water and nutrient delivery. Desalinated water, sourced from the refinery’s desalination plants in collaboration with IDE Technologies and later VA Tech Wabag, ensured a sustainable water supply.
The orchard was planted with over 130,000 mango trees, selected for their adaptability to Jamnagar’s climate. Reliance introduced 200+ varieties, blending Indian staples like Alphonso and Kesar with international cultivars like Tommy Atkins and Kent. The project, overseen by Nita Ambani, combined scientific expertise with community involvement, employing local farmers and providing training to ensure long-term success. This approach turned barren land into a model of sustainable agriculture in India.
- Key Methods Used:
- Drip irrigation and fertigation for efficient resource use.
- Desalinated water from refinery plants.
- Planting 130,000+ trees suited to arid conditions.
- Community training and local labor engagement.
Must Read: World’s First AI Doctor Clinic Opens in Saudi Arabia
A Multi-Million Dollar Business
The Reliance mango orchard in Jamnagar has grown into a significant agro-business, producing approximately 600 tonnes of mangoes annually. While some sources claim up to 10,000 tonnes—a figure likely exaggerated based on industry averages of 3–4 tonnes per acre—the orchard’s high yield of 10 tonnes per acre sets it apart. Operated under Jamnagar Farms Private Limited, it markets mangoes as RIL Mango and processes pulp as Rellure through Reliance Life Sciences.
Premium varieties fetch $2–$5 per kilogram in international markets, with exports to the U.S., Europe, and Gulf countries driving revenue. Conservative estimates, based on 600 tonnes at $3.50 per kilogram, suggest export earnings of $2.1 million annually. Domestic sales, especially to non-resident Gujaratis, and Rellure products add to this, with total revenue likely in the tens of millions. While a 2023 source claims Reliance’s broader agricultural exports reached $1.19 billion, this figure may include other ventures, making the orchard’s specific contribution smaller but still significant.
- Business Highlights:
- Annual Production: ~600 tonnes (600,000 kg)
- Export Revenue: ~$2.1 million (at $3.50/kg)
- Domestic Sales: High demand for premium varieties
- Processed Products: Rellure mango pulp
- Market Reach: U.S., UK, Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia
Specialties of the Orchard
The Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee is renowned for its scale and diversity, cultivating over 200 mango varieties, from Indian classics like Alphonso, Kesar, Ratna, and Neelam to international types like Tommy Atkins, Kent, and Maya. This variety caters to diverse global tastes, ensuring competitiveness in export markets. The orchard’s sustainable practices—drip irrigation, desalination, and rainwater harvesting—enable high yields in a challenging climate, setting a benchmark for global horticulture.
Reliance’s community engagement is another specialty, with 100,000 free mango saplings distributed annually to local farmers, alongside training in modern farming techniques. These efforts empower Gujarat’s agricultural community and reinforce the orchard’s cultural significance, particularly among mango-loving non-resident Gujaratis.
- Unique Specialties:
- 200+ mango varieties for global markets
- Sustainable practices: drip irrigation, desalination
- High yield: 10 tonnes per acre vs. India’s 3–4 tonnes
- Community support: 100,000 free saplings, farmer training
Economic and Community Impact
The Jamnagar mango orchard has transformed the local economy, employing hundreds of farmers, horticulturists, and laborers. Training programs and sapling distribution foster sustainable farming, aligning with India’s 15% agricultural export growth in April 2025. The orchard’s cultural resonance, driven by the Ambani family’s passion for mangoes, makes it a point of pride for Jamnagar, with premium varieties in high demand globally.
Future Outlook
The orchard is poised for growth, with potential for organic certification, new hybrids, and expanded export logistics. Challenges include global price volatility, climate risks, and competition from countries like Mexico. Reliance’s technological expertise positions it to maintain its lead in mango exports from India, potentially inspiring similar projects nationwide.
Why It Matters
The Reliance mango orchard in Jamnagar showcases how environmental challenges can fuel a multi-million-dollar business. By transforming barren land into Asia’s largest mango orchard, Reliance blends sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage.