Patanjali Mega Food & Herbal Park in Nagpur to Open on March 9, Creating 10,000 Jobs
Patanjali Mega Food & Herbal Park in Nagpur to Open on March 9, Creating 10,000 Jobs
Patanjali’s ambitious foray into food processing is set to take root in Nagpur. The company’s Mega Food & Herbal Park, located within the bustling MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur), is scheduled to open its doors on March 9, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for Patanjali, whose journey in Nagpur began back in September 2016 with the laying of the foundation for a dedicated food processing unit. The Patanjali Fruits & Vegetables Processing Plant will specialize in transforming citrus fruits and vegetables into a variety of products, including juices, concentrates, pulp, pastes, and purees. This venture promises to not only boost the local economy but also contribute to the growing demand for high-quality, natural food products.
Nagpur, renowned worldwide as the “Orange City,” is a natural hub for citrus fruit production, boasting a wealth of oranges, guavas, sweet limes, and more. Recognizing this abundance, Patanjali has established a state-of-the-art citrus processing plant. This facility processes a staggering 800 tons of fruit daily, transforming them into pure, frozen juice concentrate. The juice is 100% natural, free from any additives or added sugar. Beyond citrus, the plant also processes a diverse range of fruits and vegetables, including 600 tons of oranges, 400 tons of mangoes, 200 tons of guavas, 200 tons of papayas, 200 tons of apples, 200 tons of pomegranates, 200 tons of strawberries, 200 tons of plums, 200 tons of pears, 400 tons of tomatoes, 400 tons of guavas, 160 tons of carrots, and 100 tons of aloe vera each day.
The juice, concentrates, pulp, paste, and purees produced at the plant meet rigorous global standards. This direct fruit processing is considered primary processing. To further enhance their product offerings, Patanjali plans to install a tetra pack unit at the Nagpur factory. This will allow them to produce premium tetra-packed products, featuring pulp extracts that are free of preservatives and added sugar, placing a strong emphasis on consumer health and well-being.
The plant boasts a unique zero-waste policy, ensuring that every by-product is given a second life. For instance, after extracting juice from oranges, the peels are not discarded. Instead, they are used to extract cold-pressed orange oil (CPO), a valuable commodity. Patanjali will also utilize the peels to create premium pulp for Nagpur’s famous orange barfi and extract aromatic essences for both oil-based and water-based applications. Even the dried peel powder will be repurposed for cosmetics and other value-added products. This commitment to complete utilization underscores Patanjali’s dedication to sustainability and resource optimization.
The plant houses a flour mill with a processing capacity of 100 tons of wheat daily, supplying Patanjali’s wheat mills in Jalna, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Patanjali prioritizes direct procurement of wheat from farmers, relying on traders or the Food Corporation of India (FCI) only when supply falls short. The plant has already processed 1000 tons of Mosambi and has commenced orange processing. Machinery for processing tropical fruits is currently being installed. Patanjali’s commitment to eliminating middlemen in fruit and vegetable procurement ensures that farmers receive fair prices, boosting their incomes. The company only engages with traders when direct procurement from farmers is insufficient. Patanjali also supports farmers through backward integration, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and farmer empowerment.
Patanjali, through its subsidiary Bharuwa Agri Science, offers soil testing services using the ‘Dharati Ka Doctor’ machine. This service provides farmers with valuable insights into nutrient deficiencies and optimal crop choices. Farmers also benefit from access to Patanjali’s organic, chemical-free fertilizers and saplings. In addition to advisory services and field inspections, Patanjali guarantees the purchase of farmers’ produce, creating a reliable market and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Patanjali’s Nagpur plant currently employs around 500 people, both directly and indirectly. As operations expand, this number is projected to increase significantly, with a goal of creating employment for 10,000 people. The plant is expected 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.
