Fertiliser maker unveils organic variant to boost presence in green space

According to a top official, these Panchagavyam-based fertiliser variants are high-yielding, natural nutrient supplements. As per a 2017 report by Persistence Market Research, the global demand for organic fertiliser was pegged at 17 mn tonnes in 2016. 

The market was valued at $ 5.57 bn. Harikumar Subramaniam, MD, says, “The company has branches in more than 10 locations across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We are now aiming to appoint district-specific retailers to make the fertilisers available to farmers in far-flung rural areas.” 

The company’s outlets currently function as stockists for its products as well. The team believes the organic fertilisers can help farmers achieve a higher agricultural yield. “When the fertiliser is diluted to be used on land, its cost works out to be as low as Rs 2 per kilo,” Harikumar says. 

He informs us that the company has set up its own gaushalas to procure raw material required for manufacturing of fertilisers. It has also entered into an agreement with Amul for marketing their cattle feed. The Panchagavyam-based fertilisers are made by blending cow dung, cow urine, cow’s milk, clarified butter and curd in proportion, and converting the mix into biofertilisers. 

Harikumar claims that the fertilisers which have a longer-life span, can help revive the soil’s natural life-giving properties and even act as natural insect repellents. 

Founded by Subramania Iyer in 1938 in Thiruvananthapuram, the company initially dealt with beverages such as coffee and tea. In 1990, it expanded its base to include rubber plantations. The concern is now focusing on expanding the footprint of Nandhi brand organic fertilisers.