Vidarbha Farmers Getting Rs 22/kg For Smaller Oranges As Patanjali Juice Plant Begins Operations

Patanjali's Nagpur facility sources oranges from local farmers, offering economic relief by purchasing lower-grade oranges for juice processing and other byproducts.

Farmers are hoping for continued support and sustainable demand for their produce.

Source : ABP LIVE

Nagpur News: Yoga Guru Ramdev's Patanjali Mega Food and Herbal Park, which begun operations in MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur), Nagpur, has started to source oranges from local farmers. Within two days of its launch, farmers from Vidarbha region have started receiving Rs 22 per kg for 'B' and 'C' grade oranges, bringing economic relief along with a hope for stability and additional income, the company has said.  

The plant, said to be Asia’s largest food and herbal processing facility, was inaugurated on March 9. It requires approximately 800 tonnes of oranges daily for juice processing. This has increased demand for lower-grade oranges, which were often sold at lower rates or would remain unsold due to blemishes or their small size.  

'B' And 'C' Grade Oranges Providing Additional Income to Farmers

Every year, about 15-20% of Vidarbha’s orange yield, falls prematurely from trees, making them unsuitable for premium markets, according to reports. Farmers, who often had to sell them at reduced prices or discard them, have said these oranges are now proving to be an additional source of income, earning Rs 18-22 per kg, with the new processing facility in place.

Apart from juice production, the plant also processes byproducts such as cold-pressed oil (CPO) extracted from orange peels, which has a high market demand. It also produces pulp for Nagpur’s famous orange burfi, essential oils, and dried peel powder used in cosmetic products.  

Farmers in Vidarbha have welcomed the initiative, expressing hopes that the initiative will remain sustainable and will continue to provide consistent demand for their produce, with continued support from industry stakeholders and the government.