National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)

National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)

National Fertilizers Limited (NFL), incorporated on August 23, 1974, is a premier Indian Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and a Navratna company under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It operates five gas-based urea plants at Nangal, Bathinda, Panipat, and two in Vijaipur, with a total annual capacity exceeding 35 LMT. 

Key Historical Milestones

• Incorporation & Early Growth (1974–1978): Established to set up fuel oil-based urea plants in Bhatinda (Punjab) and Panipat (Haryana). In 1978, it acquired the Nangal unit from the Fertilizer Corporation of India.
• Expansion (1984–1997): NFL was entrusted with building India's first inland gas-based fertilizer project in Vijaipur (Madhya Pradesh), starting production in 1988. The Vijaipur plant capacity was doubled in 1997.
• Public Listing & Upgradation (2001–2002): The company went public in 2001, listing on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). It was upgraded to a Schedule 'A' company due to consistent performance.
• Diversification & Modernization (2003–Present):
  • Neem Coated Urea: The company pioneered the manufacturing of Neem Coated Urea.
  • Diversification: Expanded into bio-fertilizers, Bentonite Sulphur, and power generation.
  • Joint Ventures: Formed Ramagundam Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (RFCL) to revive the Ramagundam plant.
  • Navratna Status (2024): Awarded Navratna status for its profitable operations and high performance. 

Current OperationsAs of 2026, NFL is the second largest producer of urea in India, contributing significantly to the country's nitrogenous fertilizer production, with a robust marketing network and, at times, accounting for over 13% of national nitrogen production.