On Sunday, Nagpur made a significant advancement in agricultural innovation with the inauguration of Asia’s largest orange processing facility—the Patanjali Mega Food & Herbal Park—located at MIHAN. The grand opening was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, and Patanjali founders Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna.

During the celebration, Acharya Balkrishna took to social media to highlight the vital role that farmers play in India’s economy. He stated, “#किसान हमारे समाज का महत्वपूर्ण अंग हैं। किसान न केवल भारत की आर्थिक धारा को बनाए रखते हैं, बल्कि हमारी संस्कृति और परंपराओं का हिस्सा भी हैं।”

#किसान हमारे समाज का महत्वपूर्ण अंग हैं। किसान न केवल भारत की आर्थिक धारा को बनाए रखते हैं, बल्कि हमारी संस्कृति और परंपराओं का हिस्सा भी हैं। किसान भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था के महत्वपूर्ण स्तंभ हैं #acharyabalkrishna #Patanjalifoods Asia’s Largest Orange Plant pic.twitter.com/UecDcNxNkH

— Acharya Balkrishna (@Ach_Balkrishna) March 9, 2025

He emphasized that Patanjali’s commitment to agricultural innovation is instilling new hope among the farmers of Vidarbha. The new food park represents more than just a commercial endeavor; it stands as a transformative initiative for thousands of farmers in the area. Equipped with cutting-edge sorting, grading, and cold storage facilities, the plant will empower farmers to store their oranges and sell them when market conditions are favorable, significantly reducing the pressure of immediate sales.

“Farmers in Vidarbha have faced unfair market practices and distress sales for too long,” said Nitin Gadkari. “This initiative will ensure they receive fair compensation, stabilizing their income and alleviating agrarian distress.” He noted that while small oranges previously fetched ₹12 per kg, Patanjali has vowed to purchase them at ₹18 per kg, with the processing plant’s capacity set at 800 tons of oranges daily, which should stimulate increased orange cultivation in the region.

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Swami Ramdev provided insight into the long-term vision for the facility, announcing an initial investment of ₹1,000 crore, with an additional ₹500 crore earmarked for future expansion. He described Nagpur as an optimal site for such a venture, citing its infrastructure, and cultural and economic importance.

“Unlike commercial juices that contain just 10% fruit, 40% sugar, and various additives, Patanjali is committed to producing 100% pure, pesticide-free, preservative-free, and sugar-free orange juice,” Ramdev assured attendees.

This initiative aims not only to enhance orange production but also to reshape the agricultural narrative of Vidarbha, a region that has witnessed numerous farmer suicides due to economic hardships. Leaders at the event expressed optimism that the food park would help turn this trend around.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pledged full governmental support for Patanjali’s mission, calling it a “historic step” toward empowering farmers in Maharashtra. Acharya Balkrishna reinforced this idea, illustrating that the food park would create jobs, boost farmers’ incomes, and promote a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem. “This project transcends mere business; it’s about dignity, prosperity, and hope for the farmers of Vidarbha.”

The Patanjali Food & Herbal Park in Nagpur is anticipated to spur further advancements in agriculture and industry. Experts believe it will not only innovate orange farming but also inspire similar initiatives for crops such as lemons and sweet limes.

Local MLA Ashish Deshmukh urged Swami Ramdev to eliminate intermediaries to ensure that farmers benefit directly. “This project has already brightened the lives of our farmers. The next step should involve making sure profits reach them directly.”