The Patanjali Mega Food & Herbal Park in MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur) is set to begin operations on 9th March, 2025. The foundation ceremony for establishing a food processing unit at MIHAN took place in September 2016. This Patanjali Fruits & Vegetables Processing Plant in Nagpur will process citrus fruits and vegetables to produce juices, juice concentrates, pulp, pastes, and purees.
Known as the Orange City globally, Nagpur is home to citrus fruits like oranges, guavas, sweet lime, and others. In light of this, Patanjali has set up a citrus processing plant. The plant processes 800 tons of fruit daily to create frozen juice concentrate. This juice is 100% natural with no additives or sugar used. In addition, fruit processing includes 600 tons of oranges per day, 400 tons of mangoes per day, 200 tons of guavas per day, 200 tons of papayas per day, 200 tons of apples per day, 200 tons of pomegranates per day, 200 tons of strawberries per day, 200 tons of plums per day, 200 tons of pears per day, 400 tons of tomatoes per day, 400 tons of guavas per day, 160 tons of carrots, and 100 tons of aloe vera per day.
The juice, concentrates, pulp, paste, and purees produced adhere to global specifications. This direct fruit processing is referred to as primary processing. Additionally, a tetra park unit will be established at the Nagpur factory. Tetra pulp extract products will be offered in the premium segment without preservatives or sugar, prioritizing consumer health.
A unique feature of this plant is its zero-waste policy for by-products. For example, after extracting juice from oranges, the peel is fully utilized. Orange peel contains cold-pressed oil (CPO), which holds significant market value. Moreover, Patanjali will extract premium pulp for Nagpur’s renowned orange barfi and produce oil-based and water-based aromatic essences. The dried peel powder will also be used in cosmetics and other value-added products. All by-products will be recovered and utilized.
Furthermore, a flour mill has been established, processing 100 tons of wheat daily and supplying Patanjali’s wheat mills in Jalna, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana. Patanjali mainly procures wheat directly from farmers and engages with traders or the Food Corporation of India (FCI) only when demand exceeds supply. 1000 tons of Mosambi have been processed here, and orange processing work has also commenced. Additionally, all machinery for processing tropical fruits is being set up.
By eliminating middlemen in the procurement of fruits and vegetables, Patanjali ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their produce, increasing their income. The company engages with traders only if direct procurement from farmers falls short. Patanjali also supports farmers through backward integration.
Through its subsidiary, Bharuwa Agri Science, Patanjali provides soil testing services using the ‘Dharati Ka Doctor’ machine, offering advice to farmers on nutrient deficiencies and the best crop choices. Farmers also receive Patanjali’s organic, chemical-free fertilizers and saplings. Besides advisory services and field inspections, Patanjali ensures the purchase of the farmers’ produce.
At present, Patanjali’s Nagpur plant employs around 500 people, both directly and indirectly. As operations grow, this number is expected to increase significantly, with a goal of creating employment for 10,000 people. The plant is projected to generate an annual turnover of Rs 1,000 crore. To date, Rs 700 crore has been invested in the project, with a total investment of Rs 1,500 crore planned. The establishment of this plant is anticipated to drive infrastructural growth in the region.
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