India’s richest man is now the world’s largest mango exporter

Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries and India’s wealthiest tycoon, worth more than Rs 8 lakh crore, has carved an unlikely niche in global agriculture as his sprawling mango orchard in Jamnagar, Gujarat, now positions him as the world’s largest exporter of the king of fruits, with annual exports exceeding 600 tons.

While Ambani’s empire spans oil, telecom, and retail, this venture, rooted in environmental compliance, has quietly reshaped international mango trade, blending tradition with cutting-edge sustainability.

From Refinery Rules to Mango Revolution

The story began in 1997, when Reliance’s massive oil refinery in Jamnagar faced stringent environmental regulations.

To offset pollution concerns, the company transformed 600 acres of barren, saline land in Gujarat into a mango orchard, initially named Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibagh Amrai. What began as a regulatory obligation has since mushroomed into a 1.5 lakh-tree behemoth, cultivating over 200 mango varieties and exporting nearly 600 tonnes annually to markets across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

ALSO READ: How Anant Ambani’s Vantara can help Maharashtra save its tigers with ‘Surya Tara’ plan, explained

Technology Meets Tradition

Jamnagar’s arid climate and salty soil posed formidable challenges. Reliance responded with a tech-driven blueprint of a desalination plant that purifies groundwater, while drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems optimise every drop.

Advanced fertigation techniques ensure precise nutrient delivery, boosting yield without straining resources. The orchard now cultivates India’s beloved Alphonso and Kesar varieties alongside global hybrids like Florida’s Tommy Atkins and Israel’s Keitt, catering to diverse palates and cementing Reliance’s dominance in the USD 20 billion global mango market.

Community Upliftment and Sustainable Legacy

Beyond commerce, each year, the company distributes 1 lakh mango saplings to local farmers, paired with training in modern farming practices. This initiative has revitalised livelihoods in Gujarat’s hinterlands, enabling smallholders to adopt eco-friendly techniques and tap into premium markets.

Nita Ambani, overseeing the orchard’s operations, has infused it with a cultural touch, making it a seasonal favourite among non-resident Gujaratis and symbolising the family’s agrarian roots.

ALSO READ: Mukesh Ambani ranks far below Elon Musk despite earning Rs 40,000 crore in less than a week

A Blueprint for Corporate Sustainability

By converting industrial constraints into agricultural innovation, Reliance has set a benchmark for sustainable business practices. The orchard not only complies with environmental norms but actively regenerates degraded land, proving that industry and ecology can coexist.

With plans to expand cultivation and refine export networks, Reliance aims to solidify India’s position as a global mango powerhouse.