#MDStart#
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Your Directors present their 53rd Annual Report together
with the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31a
March 2024.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Particulars 31 |
L.03.2024 |
31.03.2023 |
Revenue from Operations |
1943.86 |
2,828.82 |
Add: Other Income |
18.30 |
20.63 |
Total Income |
1962.16 |
2,849.45 |
Profit before interest, |
267.76 |
374.42 |
depreciation and tax |
|
|
Less: Finance Cost |
37.98 |
30.93 |
Less: Depreciation & |
38.18 |
43.73 |
amortization expenses |
|
|
Profit Before Exceptional Items |
191.60 |
299.76 |
Less: Exceptional Items |
(48.61) |
- |
Profit Before tax |
142.99 |
299.76 |
Less: Tax expenses |
55.08 |
15.32 |
Profit After Tax |
87.91 |
284.44 |
Add: Net Comprehensive |
7.81 |
(2.67) |
Income / (Loss) |
|
|
Total Comprehensive Income |
95.72 |
281.77 |
DIVIDEND
Taking into account the financial position of the Company and the norms
of your Company's Dividend Distribution Policy, the Directors have recommended a Dividend
of Rs. 1.50 (15% on the face value) per equity share of Rs. 10 each fully paid-up, for the
year 2023-24 on the paid-up equity share capital.
STATE OF COMPANY'S AFFAIRS Production
During the financial year 2023-24, the Plants were in operation for
about 260 days only and produced neem coated urea of about 5,22,535 MT. Re-assessed
Capacity of 6,20,400 MT production could not be achieved due to frequent disturbance in
plant machineries and heavy flood because of Michaung cyclone. Plant was operated with
mixed feed of Natural gas and Naphtha. Using the opportunity of Flood Maintenance Shutdown
2023 due to Michaung cyclone, Primary reformer catalyst was replaced in Ammonia Plant and
the plant was modified to be 100% natural gas based and subsequently it was commissioned
during the end of the financial year.
Progress of Natural Gas Supply Pipelines.
Natural Gas (NG) requirement of your Company to produce 2080 MT/Day is
about 1.5 MMSCMD out of which 0.9 MMSCMD of Natural gas is supplied from ONGC's
Kanjirangudi fields through (Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) pipeline.
For the balance NG requirement, IOC, an authorized organization for
laying the Natural gas pipeline from Ennore to Sayalkudi, has completed the pipeline
erection and commissioned during the end of September 2023. Subsequently, IOC made an
offer to SPIC for the Reliquefied NG (RLNG) supply and accordingly SPIC was getting
prepared for the conversion of Natural gas.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
There are no deposits covered under Chapter V of the Companies Act,
2013 (the Act) during the year 2023-24, details of which are required to be furnished.
DEBENTURES
The Company has raised funds by way of debt issue of 5,000 Unlisted,
Rated, Senior, Secured, Redeemable, Non-convertible Debentures of Rs. 1,00,000/- each on
private placement basis during September 2023. aggregating Rs. 50 crores to Vivriti
Emerging Corporate Bond Fund and Vivriti Alpha Debt Fund - Enhanced.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in
accordance with Ind AS and forms part of the Annual Report.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT
VENTURES AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
Pursuant to Section 129(3) of the Act read with Rule 5 of the Companies
(Accounts) Rules, 2014, the Statement containing salient features of the Financial
Statements of the Company's Associates and Joint Ventures (in Form AOC-1) is attached to
the Financial Statements. Your Company has no Subsidiaries.
TAMILNADU PETROPRODUCTS LIMITED (TPL)
During the financial year 2023-24, revenue from operations was '
1697 Crore as compared to ' 2170 Crore in previous year 2022-23. Linear Alkyl
Benzene (LAB), the major product of TPL continues to be the key contributor for the
revenue. The fluctuation in crude oil price, increased cost of raw materials and price
pressure caused by cheaper imports are key factors for lower revenue. Additionally, the
contribution of Caustic lye declined substantially,
influenced by higher raw material prices and a decline in domestic
prices.
During the year, the plant operations were partially affected for about
a month on account of flooding caused by Cyclone Michaung. TPL made claim with insurance
company for the loss and received an adhoc payment of ' 4.59 Crore and awaiting the
final assessment report from insurance company.
The Board of TPL has recommended a dividend of ' 1.20 per equity
share of ' 10 each fully paid-up for the year 2023-24 (15% in the previous year)
subject to the approval of Members at the ensuing AGM.
TUTICORIN ALKALI CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS LIMITED
(TFL)
To reduce the carbon footprint of the product, the company has
converted both of the boilers to Biomass. The company has also imported Green soda ash and
established world's first Green soda ash production during Nov-2023.
Refurbishment of defective systems and installation of newer ones
continued during the year to stabilize and also increase the production. The plant is also
replacing the problematic old generation DCS to latest generation DCS in centralized
control room. Due to flood in Tuticorin, the plant production was interrupted by late
December and has come back again to reach earlier production levels.
Salt was mostly procured locally and used along with Captive and small
parcel of Gujarat salt. During the end of the year, the price of ammonia has softened from
earlier levels. The selling price of soda ash and ammonium chloride also reduced
consequent to raw material prices. The Company has maintained its consistency of
profitability in each quarter like previous year after long 20 years of losses. TFL made
profit in all the four quarters, registering a significant net profit for the whole year.
The company's networth is improving in positive continuously . The company is also working
on its expansion plans. It is expected that the company will continue this trend and the
carried over losses will get wiped out in the next 2-3 years.
GREENAM ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED (GREENAM)
The 22.0 MW AC Floating Solar Project has been operating as planned.
Due to heavy rain and flooding in December 2023, the plant was generating power as usual
but could not be exported for a period of 7 days on account of failure at the evacuation
substation.
Drawing power from Greenam enables your Company to meet the Renewable
Power obligations as stipulated by the Government as well as substantially save on
quantity of water lost by evaporation from the water reservoirs.
During the year, the GREENAM made a profit of Rs. 2.28 crores with the
total revenue of Rs. 18.57 crores. Like any
renewable project, the EBITDA is high at Rs. 17.19 crores, around
92.51% of the Revenue. Energy supplied during the year was 37.17 million units
SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
DNV (Det Norske Veritas) conducted the Re-certification Audit for
QMS.ISO 9001:2015, EMS - ISO 140001:2015 and certified that all the requirements as per
the standards are being practiced and there are no non-conformity points. QMS, EMS systems
and OHS system certificates are valid till January 2026. DNV have audited the periodical
medical examination report being done by the Company for all employees and found to be in
order. Green Belt development is being given utmost importance and is a continuing
activity with about 1075 tree saplings planted during this year. Your Company has obtained
Consent to Operate with mixed feed stock, viz., Natural Gas and Naphtha, valid up to 31st
March 2026. Your Company has achieved 799 days accident free period with 2.78 million
manhours for employees. Your Company has been adjudged for "Award of Honor"
Occupational Health Safety and Environment Award 2023 by National Safety council - Tamil
Nadu Chapter .
HUMAN RESOURCE AND INDUSTRIAL RELATION
Your Company continues to provide a conducive work environment and
opportunities for development of its employees. Industrial Relations in the Company have
been cordial during the year under review. The number of employees as on 31st
March 2024 is 535. Your Company continues with the regular campus recruitment programme as
a process of building the organization from the bottom.
ANNUAL RETURN
Annual Return in Form MGT-7 for the year 2022-23 as required under
Section 92 of the Act has been placed on the website of the Company. The Form MGT-7 for
the year 2023-24 shall be filed with Registrar of Companies within the prescribed time
after the 53rd Annual General Meeting of your Company to be held on 19th
September 2024. Thereafter it can be accessed using the web link: https:// www.
spic.in/investors/annual-return/.
DIRECTORS
Since the date of last Report, the Board of Directors have appointed
Mr. Sandeep Nanduri, I.A.S. with effect from 6th November 2023 and Selvi.
Apoorva, I.A.S. with effect from 16th May 2024 as Nominee Directors of TIDCO.
Ms. Jayashree Muralidharan, I.A.S, Mr. C Samayamoorthy,
I.A.S., and Dr. V Jaya Chandra Bhanu Reddy, I.A.S. Nominee Directors of
TIDCO resigned with effect from 30th October 2023, 15th March 2024
and 20th March 2024 respectively. The Board of Directors placed on record the
invaluable services rendered by Ms. Jayashree Muralidharan, I.A.S., Mr. C Samayamoorthy,
I.A.S., and Dr. V Jaya Chandra Bhanu Reddy, I.A.S. during their tenure.
Ms. Devaki Ashwin Muthiah shall retire by rotation at the ensuing
Annual General Meeting of the Company and being eligible, offers herself for re-election.
The Board of Directors at their Meeting held on 27th March
2024 re-appointed Mr. Debendranath Sarangi, IAS (Retd.), as Independent Director for a
second term of 5 years from 23rd May 2024, and the approval of the shareholders
by Special resolution was obtained through Postal Ballot on 8th May 2024. In
the opinion of the Board, Mr. Debendranath Sarangi, IAS (Retd.), re-appointed as
Independent Director during the year, is a person of integrity, with expertise, experience
& proficiency. He is independent of the Management.
All the Independent Directors of the Company on the date of this Report
have duly submitted the disclosures to the Board stating that they have fulfilled the
requirements set out in Section 149 (6) of the Act and the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosures Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as amended so as to qualify themselves to act
as Independent Directors.
TRANSFER OF SHARES IN RESPECT OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND TO INVESTOR
EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF) AUTHORITY
Pursuant to Section 124 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with The
Investor Education and Protection Fund (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules
2016, the Company during March 2018 transferred to IEPF Authority, 1,66,454 equity shares
in respect of 1008 shareholders.
As per the information provided by the Registrar and Share Transfer
Agent, out of the 1,65,254 equity shares, which remained unclaimed by 1006 shareholders at
the beginning of the year, 500 shares were released to 3 shareholders during the year. As
at the end of the year 1,64,754 shares remained unclaimed by 1003 shareholders.
FAMILIARIZATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT
DIRECTORS
Independent Directors are familiar with their roles, responsibilities
in the Company, nature of the industry, business model etc., through familiarisation
programmes. Documents / Brochures, Reports and Internal Policies of your Company are
provided to them. Presentations are made at the Board / Committee Meetings, on Company's
Performance, business strategy, risks involved and global business environment. Details of
means of familiarization of the business to Independent Directors are disclosed on the
Company's website under the following web link: https://www.spic.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/
Familiarization-Programmes-2023-24.pdf
PARTICULARS OF REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS, KEY
MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYEES
The statement in terms of Section 197(12) of the Act read
with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is enclosed vide Annexure II (Page no. 26) forming part
of this Report.
STATUTORY AUDITORS
M/s. MSKA & Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration
No.: 105047W) Chennai, the Statutory Auditors appointed by the shareholders for a period
of five years from 2022-23 shall hold office from the conclusion of 51st AGM
till the conclusion of 56th AGM of the Company on a remuneration of ' 24
lakh plus out of pocket expenses and applicable taxes for audit and related services, for
each year and the Board of Directors has been authorized to revise the remuneration during
the term. There is no qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer made by
the Statutory Auditors in their Report on the Standalone and Consolidated Financial
Statements of your Company for the financial year 2023-24.
COST AUDITOR
M/s. B Y & Associates, Cost Accountant (Firm Registration No.
003498) was appointed as the Cost Auditor of the Company for the year 2023-24 to carry out
the audit of your Company's Cost Accounts and Records of fertilizer business. The Company
is required to maintain Cost Records as specified by the Central Government under Section
148 (1) of the Act and that accordingly such accounts and records were made and
maintained. The Cost Audit Report for the previous year ended 31st March 2023
was duly filed within the stipulated time as required under the Act.
In accordance with Section 148(1) of the Act, the Company has
maintained the accounts and cost records for
2023- 24, as specified by the Central Government. The Board of
Directors at their Meeting held on 16th May 2024, on the recommendation of the
Audit Committee, have re-appointed M/s. B Y & Associates, Cost Accountant (Firm
Registration No. 003498) as Cost Auditor for the year
2024- 25 at a remuneration of ' 1,75,000/- plus reimbursement of
actual out-of-pocket expenses subject to ratification by Members at the ensuing 53rd
AGM.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT REPORT
In terms of Section 204 of the Act, Regulation 24A of Listing
Regulations, your Company appointed Ms. B Chandra, Practicing Company Secretary, Chennai
as Secretarial Auditor for 2023-24. The Company has complied with the requirements of the
Secretarial Standards specified by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India
constituted under Section 3 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980, and approved as such by
the Central Government.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the year 2023-24 as furnished is given
as Annexure III (Page no. 28) to this Report. There is no qualification, reservation or
adverse
remark or disclaimer made by the Secretarial Auditor in their Report.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions contained in Section 134 (3) of the Act,
your Directors to the best of their knowledge and belief and according to information and
explanations obtained from the Management confirm that:
a) In the preparation of the annual financial statements for the year
ended 31a March 2024, the applicable Ind AS had been followed along with proper
explanation relating to material departures;
b) They have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31st
March 2024 and of the profit of the Company for the year ended on that date;
c) They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act, for safeguarding
the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) The annual accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis;
e) They have laid down proper internal financial controls to be
followed by the Company and such controls are adequate and were operating effectively;
f) Proper systems have been devised to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating
effectively.
REPORTING OF FRAUDS BY AUDITORS
As per Section 143(12) of the Act, during the year under review, the
Statutory Auditors, Cost Auditors and Secretarial Auditors have not reported any instances
of frauds committed in the Company by its Officers or Employees, to the Audit Committee
formed as per the requirements of Act.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
No loans or guarantees were given by the Company under Section 186 of
the Act during the year under review.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The transactions entered into by your Company during the year 2023-24
with Related Parties as defined under the Act
were in the ordinary course of business and at arm's length basis.
There are no arrangements with related parties to be disclosed as required under Section
188 (1) and 134 (h) of the Act. Form AOC-2 attached vide Annexure V (Page no. 31).
The details of transactions with any person or entity belonging to the
Promoter/Promoter Group which holds 10% or more shareholding in the Company, in the format
prescribed under Ind AS are furnished in Note No.38 of Notes on Accounts
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS, IF ANY, AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL
POSITION OF THE COMPANY THAT HAS OCCURRED BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE
DATE OF THIS REPORT.
There has been no material changes or commitments affecting the
financial position of your Company that has occurred between the end of the financial year
i.e., 31st March 2024 and the date of this Report.
ENERGY CONSERVATION, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Conservation of Energy
Your Company has formed an audit group and identified potential
possibilities for energy reduction, reliable measures for continuous operation, process
safety improvement etc. Efforts were taken continuously and some of the major activities
are
a) Overhauling of less efficient turbine and replacement of necessary
spares.
b) Replacement of High Temperature Shift Converter Catalyst as its life
was about to end.
c) Regular steam audit inside the plant was carried out and weak links
were replaced with upgraded traps for energy savings.
d) Preventive checks were carried out in all the steam flanges,
critical process locations and same were attended on requirement during the Flood
Maintenance Shutdown.
e) Stoppage of Instrument Air Compressors and supplying required
Instrument air to Ammonia and Urea plants through the new Gas Turbine Operated Process Air
Compressor.
f) Installation of pneumatic actuated steam let down station against
the oil actuated let down station
Technology Absorption - Nil
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
The foreign exchange earned in terms of actual inflows and the foreign
exchange outgo in terms of actual outflows during the vear:
Particulars |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Foreign Exchange earnings |
20.17 |
54.57 |
Foreign Exchange expenditure |
1364.26 |
4511.47 |
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL & RISK MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
Your Company has adequate internal financial control systems to monitor
business processes, financial reporting and compliance with applicable regulations. The
systems were reviewed by Statutory / Internal Auditors and reported to the Audit Committee
of the Board, for identification of deficiencies and necessary time bound actions were
taken to improve efficiency at all levels. The Committee also reviews the Report of
Internal Auditors, key issues, significant processes and accounting policies. Risk
Management is an integral part of the business process. Your Company pursuant to Listing
Regulations has constituted a Risk Management Committee and has a Policy on Risk
Management to identify and draw mitigation plans to manage risk. The Board of Directors
reviews the Risk Management Report periodically.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE
REGULATORS OR COURTS
There are no significant and material orders passed by the Regulators
or Courts or Tribunals impacting the going concern status and Company's operations in
future.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Corporate Governance Report 2023-24 along with the Certificate of the
Statutory Auditors, M/s. MSKA & Associates, Chartered Accountants, confirming
compliance to conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated in the Listing Regulations
forms part of this Report.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE BOARD, COMMITTEES
AND DIRECTORS
Your Company has a structured framework for evaluation of the
Individual Directors, Chairperson, the Board as a whole and its Committees. The
Independent Directors at their Meeting held on 15th March 2024 evaluated the
performance of Non-Independent Directors, Board as a whole, the Chairperson and assessed
the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the Company Management
and the Board that is necessary for the Board to effectively and reasonably perform their
duties. The Board of Directors at their Meeting held on 16th May 2024 evaluated
the performance of all Independent Directors and the Board as a whole and its
Committees. The evaluation criteria was based on the participation,
contribution and guidance offered and understanding of the business etc., which are
relevant to the Directors in their capacity as Members of the Board/ Committees.
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD / AUDIT COMMITTEE
The details of the Meetings of Board and Audit Committee held and its
composition are provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
POLICIES
POLICY ON MATERIAL SUBSIDIARY
The Company has a Policy on Material Subsidiary approved by the Board
of Directors as per the Listing Regulations and is available on the Company's website
under the web link:https://www.spic.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/32/
MATERIAL-SUBSIDIARY-POLICY.pdf
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
Your Company has a Nomination and Remuneration Policy as required under
Section 178(3) of the Act and the Listing Regulations. The details of the Policy are
available in Annexure I (Page No. 24) to this Report
POLICY ON RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Policy on Related Party Transactions as required under the Listing
Regulations and the Act, is available on the Company's website under the web link: https://
www.spic.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/J2/Policy-on- Related-Parties-30th-Mar-2022.pdf
POLICY ON INSIDER TRADING
Your Company has a Code of Conduct for Prevention of Insider Trading
with a view to regulate trading in securities by the Directors and designated employees of
the Company in line with SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, as
amended. The details of the Policy are available on the website of the Company under
weblink: https:// www.spic.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Code-of-
Practices-and-Procedures-for-Fair-Disclosure-of-UPSI1.pdf
POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION,
PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013. (POSH)
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace. A
policy is in place and an Internal Complaints Committee has been constituted which is
monitoring the prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment at workplace in
line with the provisions of POSH and the Rules made thereunder. There were no complaints
reported under the POSH during the year under review.
VIGIL MECHANISM
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 177 of the Act and the Listing
Regulations, Whistle Blower Policy for Directors
and employees to report genuine concerns or grievances including
reporting of instances of leakage of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) is in
place and a Vigil Mechanism established, the details of which are available on the website
of the Company under weblink: https://www.spic.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/32/
Whistle-Blower-Policy-and-Vigil-Mechanism- 24.03.2020.pdf
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
Your Company has a CSR Policy in line with the provisions of the Act.
As a responsible corporate citizen, your Company in its endeavour to contribute for the
sustained development and growth of the Society at large has taken several initiatives
voluntarily. Your Company is not required to spend towards CSR activities, in view of
absence of profits computed under Section 198 of the Act. However, the details of CSR
initiatives undertaken voluntarily by your Company are given in Annexure IV (Page no. 30)
to this Report. The details of the Policy are available on the website of the Company
under weblink: https:// www.spic.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/J2/Corporate-
Social-Responsibilitv-Policv.pdf DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY
Dividend Distribution Policy has been formulated as required under SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (Second Amendment)
dated 5th May 2021. The details of the Policy are available on the website of
the Company under weblink: https:// www.spic.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dividend-
Distribution-Policy.pdf MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The 2023 monsoon season in India concluded with a total rainfall of
94.4% to LPA due to the impact of El Nino. The overall sown area was 2.12% above the
normal coverage in the country but was less than that of the previous year. As a result,
agricultural food grain production decreased by 6.18% during the year compared to last
year. The production of Oilseeds, Sugarcane, cotton & pulses decreased by 11.50%,
8.99%, 3.87% & 1.83% respectively over the previous year. The erratic progression and
distribution of the monsoon over India was the major reason for the reduced production of
major crops.
The overall availability of Urea during the year was satisfactory
despite a reduction in the imports (less by 7% YoY). There was an increase in the supplies
Urea from the domestic production which is higher by 10% at 34.41 million tonnes from
28.50 million tonnes during the previous year. The sale of Urea during the year stood at
35.78 million tonnes as against 35.73 million tonnes during the previous year.
Services extended to the Farmers (Consumers).
Your Company continued to provide services to the farmers in improved
cultivation practices, soil health management,
integrated nutrient, and pest management practices to enhance the
returns from farming.
Your Company undertook the following activities during the year.
1. DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) in Fertilizers:
Your Company is the Lead Fertilizer Supplier (LFS) for Tamil Nadu and
Puducherry. As an LFS, we ensured the active usage of ePOS devices at the fertilizer
retail points. In order to increase this compliance, we have conducted regular trainings,
capacity building programs etc in association with the Agriculture Department and National
Informatic Centre (NIC). There are 12,673 numbers of ePOS devices deployed in the states
of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendra (PMKSK):
The Department of Fertilizers, Government of India has introduced a new
concept of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendra (PMKSK) during the year, with an aim to
provide quality Agri inputs & services under one roof as an "one stop shop' for
the farming community. As a result, Your Company established 2,473 numbers of PMKSK spread
across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana &
Maharashtra. These Centers provide support facilities for testing soil, irrigation water
& agri. inputs like fertilizers & seed apart from educating the farmers to
practice soil test based nutrient management, integrated pest management, soil health
management, etc. & providing information regarding various Govt. schemes.
3. Mobile Soil Testing Lab Services (MSTL):
Through our Mobile Soil Testing Facility, we have extended the soil
testing services to farmers located in the border districts of neighboring states of
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Based on soil and irrigation test results, we recommended
balanced nutrition to crops while preserving the soil heath for sustainability.
4. Trainings to Farmers.
We are offering In-house training programs to progressive farmers in
our training Centre located at Tuticorin. The outreach programs were conducted to groups
of farmers from different parts of the state.
5. Model Integrated Agriculture Farm.
We are maintaining the Model Integrated Agriculture Farm to showcase to
trainees for adoption of Integrated Agriculture Production system to further increase the
returns from the farms. Through this we encourage agriculture related activities like
animal husbandry, poultry, mushroom cultivation etc.
6. Pannai Cheythi Malar.
The Bimonthly Tamil Magazine covers relevant
articles related to adoption of improved agricultural practices. The
success stories of such adoption are published to popularize fellow farmers. This has
become a platform for sharing the success stories as well as a source for new technologies
for enhancing the farm income.
PROSPECTS FOR 2024-25:
Rainfall forecast and demand estimation of Urea:
India is likely to witness above average rainfall during the monsoon
season this year as per IMD 1' stage long range forecast. 106% rainfall in comparison to
the LPA is expected by the country's weather office this year. Considering this above
average forecast, the country will be working towards a targeted food grain production at
332 million tonnes for the year compared to expected production of 309 million tones
during 2023-24.
Demand is expected to be higher for urea during 2024-25 which means,
the domestic urea production should be around 33 MT to reduce India's dependence on
imports. The promising fact is that the demand can be met by enhanced domestic production
of urea through both greenfield & brownfield projects under progress & by
replacing the use of 20-25 lakh tonne of conventional urea with Nano liquid urea for top
dressing.
Nano Urea:
Nano Urea, a liquid formulation containing 4 ~ 14 % Nitrogen has been
introduced by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) during 2021. This is
recommended as a substitute product for prilled and granulated Urea. The acceptance of
this Nano Urea by the farmer is yet to gain momentum due to the instability of Nutrient
content, non- compatibility with other agro chemicals and higher cost of application. As
Urea forms 82% of the total nitrogenous fertilisers consumed in India, Government is
encouraging fertilizer companies to formulate strategies to replace Urea with Nano-Urea.
National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF),
under administrative control of Department of Fertilizers, has signed Non-Disclosure
Agreement (NDA) & Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IFFCO to transfer the
technology of Nano Urea from IFFCO.
Your Company has entered a research tie up with Tamil Nadu Agriculture
University for a detailed study to know the efficacy and phytotoxicity of Nano Urea in
comparison to
Tissue Culture Business:
Your Company supplies highest quality of Tissue Culture Banana plants
to the farmers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Your Company is offering after
sales services to the farmers by providing technical assistance on Banana cultivation. The
unit is accredited by the Department of Biotechnology with NCS-TCP certification.
Having got the protocols customized for the production of high value
crops like ornamentals, orchids etc., your Company will enter into this ornamental plants
segment in the near future.
In order to increase the profitability by optimizing the cost, we are
undertaking laboratory modernization activities with induction of higher efficiency - low
energy consuming machinery, redesigning the process flow and adoption of new systems to
enhance sterility standards in the production laboratories.
It is expected to be completed by August, 2024 to commence the
commercial production of high value crop plants by January 2025.
FINANCIAL RATIOS
The significant changes in the financial ratios of the Company, which
are 25% or more as compared to the previous year are summarized below:
SPIC Urea (Prilled Urea) in Paddy crop. This study will also reveal the
economic benefit of using Nano Urea over SPIC Urea in Paddy cultivation. Once the field
trails are completed, more information on the efficacy of the product will be available to
devise suitable strategies of employing Nano Technology in Nutrient Delivery Systems for
agriculture.
Ratios |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Reasons for change |
Net Profit Ratio (%) |
4.55% |
10.09% |
Due to disruption of operations due to Flood,
Profit has decreased in current year. |
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (times) |
0.89 |
2.46 |
Due to decrease in operating profit due to
Flood. |
Debtors Turnover Ratio (days) |
12 |
4 |
Due to disruption of business on account of
flood, there were fluctuations in the sales. |
CHALLENGES
The challenge of preventing the sale of Urea outside ePOS is being
controlled by the regular monitoring of stocks available at all levels of the distribution
channel like whole sellers and retailers through FMS System. Since the monthly movement
order for supply obtained from the State Agrl Department is based the requirement net of
stock available at retail counters, we could prevent over supply of Urea to meet the Agrl
consumption.
The introduction and promotion of Nano Urea by IFFCO is getting
momentum in the market. Since this product is not suitable for soil application and
recommended for foliar application, the consumption of Urea (granular and prilled) is
increasing due to larger availability as well as increase in area of cultivation of crops.
It is expected that Nano Urea will take a small share of urea used for top dressing in
upland paddy and summer pulses where water shortage is felt. We are also exploring ways to
get into this new segment of Nano Urea by bundling aerial spray support by way of Drones;
as this will increase the acceptability of Nano Urea among the dry land farmers.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Company is grateful for the co-operation and continued support
extended by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Ministry
of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of
Corporate Affairs and other Departments of the Central Government, the Government of Tamil
Nadu, Governments of other States, Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited,
Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation Limited,
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Financial Institutions and Banks. The Directors
appreciate the dedicated and sincere services rendered by all the employees of your
Company.
|
For Southern Petrochemical |
|
Industries Corporation Limited |
Place: Chennai |
Ashwin C Muthiah |
Date: 8th August 2024 |
Chairman |
#MDEnd#