Overview
Madras Fertilizers Limited (MFL) is a public sector undertaking based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, engaged in the manufacture and marketing of chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers and agro-chemicals. The company operates under the administrative control of the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, and is one of the principal fertilizer suppliers in southern India.
Key facts
| Name | Madras Fertilizers Limited |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | MFL |
| Type | Public sector undertaking |
| Industry | Fertilizers and agro-chemicals |
| Headquarters | Manali, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Administrative ministry | Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India |
| Country | India |
Background
Madras Fertilizers was incorporated as a joint venture between the Government of India and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), with additional public participation through later equity expansion. The plant was established at Manali, an industrial suburb in the northern part of Chennai which hosts a cluster of refineries and petrochemical units. The location was chosen for its proximity to the Chennai port and to feedstock and utility infrastructure available within the Manali industrial complex.
Operations
The company's manufacturing complex at Manali produces complex NPK fertilizers and urea, marketed primarily under the Vijay brand. Its product portfolio has historically included:
- Urea
- Complex NPK grades (such as 17:17:17 and 20:20:0)
- Biofertilizers
- Agro-chemicals and pesticides distributed through its marketing network
MFL's distribution covers Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry, supported by a network of dealers and institutional buyers including state cooperative federations.
Significance
As one of the older fertilizer manufacturers in southern India, Madras Fertilizers has played a role in supporting agricultural productivity in the region, particularly during the Green Revolution era when expansion of fertilizer supply was a national priority. The company has also been part of broader policy debates regarding feedstock conversion, pricing under the Nutrient Based Subsidy regime, and restructuring of public sector fertilizer units.
Related topics
- Department of Fertilizers
- Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
- Manali, Chennai
- Fertilizer industry in India
- Public sector undertakings in India
- National Iranian Oil Company
- Nutrient Based Subsidy
References
- Wikidata entry: Q6728484
- Department of Fertilizers, Government of India — list of public sector undertakings