Nagpur’s MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur) is set to witness a major boost in its food processing sector as the Patanjali Mega Food & Herbal Park gears up to begin operations on March 9. This project, which had its foundation stone laid in September 2016, is finally ready to roll out its large-scale production, promising economic growth and employment opportunities in the region.
The Patanjali Mega Food & Herbal Park is designed to process a variety of fruits and vegetables, with a special focus on citrus and tropical produce. Nagpur, often referred to as the “Orange City” due to its vast cultivation of citrus fruits like oranges, kinnow, mosambi, and lemons, is an ideal location for such a facility.
The plant features a cutting-edge citrus processing unit capable of handling 800 tonnes of fruit per day to produce frozen juice concentrate, which is 100% natural and free from preservatives or added sugar.
Beyond citrus, the facility will also process an impressive range of other fruits and vegetables, including:
600 tonnes of amla
400 tonnes of mango
200 tonnes each of guava, papaya, apple, pomegranate, strawberry, plum, and pear
400 tonnes each of tomato, bottle gourd, and bitter gourd
160 tonnes of carrot
100 tonnes of aloe vera
These raw materials will be transformed into high-quality juice, juice concentrate, pulp, paste, and puree, adhering to global food safety and processing standards. The facility also includes a Tetra Pak unit for secondary processing, ensuring premium packaging for retail distribution without preservatives or added sugar.
One of the unique features of this plant is its zero-waste approach. Every by-product is repurposed, maximising efficiency and sustainability. For instance, orange peels left after juice extraction will be utilized to produce cold-pressed oil (CPO), a highly valued commodity in various industries.
Additionally, premium pulp from the oranges will be used in Nagpur’s renowned orange barfi. The plant will also extract aromatic essences and convert dried peel powder into cosmetic and other value-added products, ensuring that no part of the fruit goes to waste.
In addition to its focus on fruits and vegetables, the facility also accommodates a flour mill with a daily processing capacity of 100 tonnes of wheat. This will supply flour to Patanjali’s biscuit manufacturing units in Jalna, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The company procures wheat primarily from farmers, resorting to traders or the Food Corporation of India (FCI) only when direct supply is insufficient.
Patanjali’s direct procurement model aims to eliminate middlemen, ensuring fair prices for farmers and boosting their incomes. The company also supports agricultural growth through its subsidiary, Bharuwa Agri Science, which offers soil testing services using the ‘Dharati Ka Doctor’ machine. Farmers receive expert advice on nutrient deficiencies and suitable crops while benefiting from Patanjali’s organic fertilizers and high-quality saplings. Additionally, the company guarantees the purchase of farmers’ produce, reducing uncertainties in the agricultural sector.
Currently, the facility provides direct and indirect employment to around 500 people. As operations scale up, this number is expected to grow significantly, with a target of generating employment for 10,000 individuals. The plant is projected to achieve an annual turnover of Rs 1,000 crore, contributing to the economic development of the region.
So far, Patanjali has invested Rs 700 crore in this mega project, with a total planned investment of Rs 1,500 crore. The establishment of this food and herbal park is expected to drive infrastructural growth, boost local businesses, and create a thriving ecosystem for food processing in Nagpur’s MIHAN.
