Inspired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat), Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited has launched two new products, Calcium Nitrate and Boronated Calcium Nitrate in the growing water soluble fertilizer category.

 

The two products were formally launched virtually by Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Until now, these products were entirely imported. Now, GSFC is manufacturing these import substitutes which is an important step towards fulfilling the dream of a self-reliant India.”

 

Arvind Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, GSFC Ltd., said, “The trend is slowly shifting towards usage of complex fertilizers and water soluble fertilizers. Hence, there is a growing demand for speciality fertilizers at a very fast rate. India’s annual requirement of Calcium Nitrateis 1,23,000 MT which is entirely imported (100%). Around 76% is imported from China while the rest is sourced from Norway and Israel. The total cost of importing these products is about Rs.225 crore (as of 2019-20). Currently, these two products have a total production capacity of 10,000 metric tons per year. In three months, production will increase to 15000 metric tons per year. GSFC plans to increase it to 30,000 metric tons in 9 to 12 months. Self-produced Calcium Nitrate and Boronated Calcium Nitrate will provide better quality and an affordable fertilizer to the country's farmers as compared to the imported goods.”

 

Calcium Nitrate and Boronated Calcium Nitrate are Water Soluble Fertilizers available in double nutrient combination. They are available in powder or granular form. Boronated Calcium Nitrate contains Calcium and Boron in soluble form and Nitrogen in Nitrate form which are essential nutrients needed by plants. They can be used for fertigation and foliar application. As Arvind Agarwal informs, “These two products are of FCO grade and have been certified by a recognized laboratory of the Department of Fertilizers, Government of India. Also since these products were entirely imported till now in our country, we are confident that we will succeed in selling them.”

 

These products are manufactured for the first time in India and till now it was 100% imported from other countries which is a decisive step towards Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and Aatma Nirbhar Krishi, tweeted the minister.

 

With this, GSFC will become the first company in India to manufacture indigenous calcium nitrate under the 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'.