How Mukesh Ambani Turned A Crisis Into An Opportunity Which Made Him World's Largest Exporter Of Mangoes

Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man, has quietly become the world’s largest mango exporter through Reliance’s massive orchard in Jamnagar, Gujarat. What began in 1997 as an environmental compliance effort transformed into a 600-acre farm hosting 1.3 lakh mango trees of 200+ varieties.

India's richest man is also the world's largest exporter of mangoes. Yes, we are talking about Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. Ambani, who is often associated with his expansive ventures in sectors like petroleum, telecommunications, and retail, has made a mark in the agricultural sector with his massive mango orchard in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The journey of mango cultivation began in 1997, when Reliance faced tough environmental rules due to its oil refinery in Jamnagar. The company started a project to convert the surrounding barren lands into a mango orchard to comply with the regulations of the Pollution Control Board. The farm named Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibagh Amrai took an unused land spread across 600 acres to start mango plantation.

What started as a means to meet regulations gradually turned into a massive agricultural feat. The expansive mango orchard, which has over 1.3 lakh trees today and more than 200 mango varieties, is a tribute to India’s agrarian legacy.

Named after the historic Lakhibag orchard established by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, the project reflects a fusion of tradition and forward-looking environmental practices. Farming Against the Odds: Tech-Driven Sustainability Facing arid conditions and high soil salinity, Reliance adopted innovative agricultural methods. A desalination plant supplies clean water, cutting pollution levels, while water harvesting, drip irrigation, and fertigation techniques support sustainable cultivation and maximise yield.

The orchard features beloved Indian mangoes like Alphonso, Kesar, Sindhu, Ratna, Neelam, and Amrapali, as well as global varieties such as Tommy Atkins and Kent from Florida, and Keitt, Lily, and Maya from Israel. With an annual production of around 600 tonnes of premium fruit, Reliance has become Asia’s leading mango exporter, satisfying demand in both domestic and international markets. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Budget 2025, Companies,Industry, Business Economy and around the world.

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