Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man and the force behind Reliance Industries, is globally recognized for disrupting sectors like petrochemicals, telecom, and retail. But few know that he’s also created Asia’s largest mango orchard. What began in 1997 as an environmental mitigation effort at Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery has blossomed into a flourishing agricultural empire. Facing pollution challenges, Reliance turned adversity into opportunity, transforming 600 acres of barren land into the lush Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee — now a symbol of eco-conscious innovation and diversification.
The name “Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibag Amrayee” is not just a branding choice — it’s a nod to India’s rich horticultural past. It draws inspiration from the legendary Lakhibag orchard built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Today, the orchard houses over 1.3 lakh mango trees and 200+ varieties, representing not just a business venture, but a tribute to India’s deep agricultural roots. This connection between historical reverence and modern environmentalism is one of the project’s most compelling aspects, reflecting Reliance’s vision of sustainable legacy-building.
Transforming the arid, saline terrain of Gujarat into fertile mango fields wasn’t easy. Reliance adopted innovative technologies to make it work. A desalination plant ensures fresh water supply while drip irrigation and fertigation (combined irrigation and fertilization) optimize plant nutrition. Rainwater harvesting and soil management techniques further boost productivity. These practices not only help the orchard flourish in an otherwise hostile climate but also set a benchmark for how tech and tradition can go hand in hand in modern farming.
Reliance’s orchard doesn’t just grow mangoes—it grows global impact. Producing nearly 600 tonnes of mangoes annually, the orchard exports premium varieties across the world. Alongside Indian favorites like Alphonso, Kesar, and Amrapali, the orchard also cultivates global varieties such as Tommy Atkins and Keitt from Florida and Israel. This fusion of local and global reflects Reliance’s ambition to not only be the largest but the most diversified mango exporter in Asia, serving both desi taste buds and international markets.
Reliance’s mango project goes beyond profit. It actively uplifts local farmers through free sapling distribution, training in modern techniques, and community engagement. One lakh saplings are distributed each year, multiplying the project’s green footprint beyond its own land. This initiative proves that large corporations can and should play a role in environmental protection and rural empowerment. In Mukesh Ambani’s vision, agriculture is not a sideline—it’s a strategic and sustainable path toward long-term growth.
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