1.

INTRODUCTION
1.1 INDUSTRY PROFILE

Agriculture the backbone of Indian Economy. still holds its relative importance for
more than a billion peoples. The Government of India from time to time has taken
considerable steps for the upliftment of Agriculture Sector. Fertilizer in the
agricultural process is an important area of concern. Fertilizer industry in India
has succeeded in meeting the demand of all chemical fertilizers in the recent
years.
The Fertilizer Industry in India started its first manufacturing unit of Single Super
Phosphate (SSP) in Ranipet near Chennai with a capacity of 6000 MT a year, in
1906.
India's green revolution in late sixties gave a positive boost to the sector. The
sector experienced a faster growth rate and presently India is the third largest
fertilizer producer in the world. The installed capacity as on 30.01.2003 has
reached a level of 121.10 lakh MT of nitrogen (inclusive of an installed capacity of
208.42 lakh MT of urea after reassessment of capacity) and 53.60 lakh MT of
phosphates nutrient, making India the 3rd largest fertilizer producer in the world.
The rapid build-up of fertilizer production capacity in the country has been
achieved as a result of a favorable policy environment facilitating large
investments in the public, co-operative and private sectors. Presently, there are
57 large sized fertilizer plants in the country manufacturing a wide range of
nitrogenous, phosphatic and complex fertilizers. Out of these, 29 unit produce
urea, 20 units produce DAP and complex fertilizers 13 plants manufacture
Ammonium Sulphate (AS), Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) and other low
analysis nitrogenous fertilizers. Besides, there are about 64 medium and smallscale units in operation producing SSP.

1.2 KEY PLAYERS:

In south Gujarat region basically the major players are:
GNFC
GSFC
IFFCO
KRIBHCO
And local small fertilizers producers.

1.3 COMPANY PROFILE

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Company Ltd. (GNFC), is a joint sector

enterprise promoted by the Government of Gujarat and the Gujarat State
Fertilizer Company Ltd. (GSFC). It was set up in Bharuch, Gujarat in 1976.
Located at Bharuch in an extremely prosperous industrial belt, GNFC draws on
the resources of the natural wealth of the land as well as the industrially rich
reserves of the area.

GNFC started its manufacturing and marketing operations by setting up in 1982,

one of the world's largest single-stream ammonia-urea fertilizer complexes. Over
the next few years, GNFC successfully commissioned different projects - in fields
as diverse as chemicals, fertilizers and electronics.

Since inception, GNFC has worked towards an extensive growth as a

corporation. A growth which respects the environment and springs from the
progressive vision of GNFC.

GNFC today has extended its profile much beyond fertilizers through a process of
horizontal

integration.

Chemicals/Petrochemicals,

Energy

Sector,

Electronics/Telecommunications and Information Technology form ambitious and

challenging additions to its corporate portfolio. GNFC has an enterprising,
strategic view towards expansion and diversification.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

The world's largest single stream fuel oil based Ammonia-urea plant.

India's Largest Producer of Formic Acid, Acetic Acid and Methanol.

India's Only Producer of Glacial Acetic Acid through cutting-edge Methanol

route.
PRODUCTS OF GNFC

Fertilizers:
GNFC started fertilizer manufacturing and marketing operations by setting up in
1982, one of the worlds largest single-stream ammonia-urea fertilizer complexes.
GNFC today is one of the leaders in fertilizer industry. The company is engaged
in manufacturing and selling fertilizers such as Urea, Ammonium Nitro phosphate
and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate under the umbrella NARMADA. GNFC has to its
credit one of the largest Ammonia plant, a reference plant in the world of fuel oil
based technology along with the world's largest single stream Urea plant.
Urea [NARMADA Urea]
Ammonium Nitro phosphate [NARMADA PHOS]
Calcium Ammonium Nitrate [NARMADA CAN]

The treaded fertilizers:

The company is engaged in handling and importing Urea, Di ammonium

Phosphate (DAP), Muriate of Potash (MOP) and Ammonium Sulphate. In
addition,

GNFC

is

also

handling

traded

fertilizers

like

Single

Super

Phosphate(SSP) from Liberty Phosphate and Others, DAP and Urea.

The basic objective of marketing such fertilizers is to make available wide range
of fertilizers to farming community, making regular supplies of fertilizers to
distribution channel and enhancing the company's turnover. The market is
undergoing a sea change and there is a shift from sellers to buyers market.
Therefore it is of paramount importance to make available different kind of
fertilizers as per the market demand in different areas, and we at GNFC are more
concerned about that. Such steps help in making the distribution channel more
strong and developing a good rapport with them
Chemicals:
GNFC has kept pace with changing times and its vision is always focused on
growth. Even as the Company was implementing its fertilizer complex, plans
were underway for expansion and diversification in related areas. This resulted in
the setting up of core chemical and petrochemical plants such as Methanol,
Formic Acid, Nitric Acid and Acetic Acid
These industrial chemicals are used by a wide range of manufacturers,
processors and chemical operators in India and even abroad. While Methanol
finds applications in chemicals, resins etc., Formic Acid is used mainly in rubber,
textiles, tanneries and pharmaceuticals industries. Both Methanol and Formic
Acid are regularly being exported to international markets.

Methanol
Acetic Acid(Glacial)
Formic Acid 85%

Methyl Formate
Concentrated Nitric Acid
Weak Nitric Acid 61.5%
AmmoniumNitrate [MELT]
Calcium Carbonate
Catsol
IT PRODUCTS:
1 INFOTOWER:
Having 6 floor and 155000sq feet place, it is situated in Ahmedabad it is an ideal
location for banks, financial institutions, etc, it is a well known destination for IT
based companies in Gujarat.
2. VSAT SERVICE:
GNFC has entered into the business of providing satellite based communication
network services using VSAT technology. A strategic alliance has been made with
M/S TIW Systems Inc., USA in the field of Satellite Communications to offer state
of the art satellite communications equipments and services to the Indian market.
GNFC has license to provide VSAT services in India. The company has
established Hub station at Bharuch - Gujarat. The hub station is designed to
handle large traffic of voice, data, Internet and Video Conferencing. All the critical
equipments are fully redundant to give 100% reliable services. GNFC plans to
have their own VSAT Network connecting all the Regional and Area offices
located all over India.

3 INTERNET GATEWAY:
GNFC has license to provide Internet Gateway Service. The Gateway is installed
and commissioned at Bharuch. Private International Gateway has been
established by using IntelSat -704 satellite on C-band.
A High Speed Bandwidth Internet Feed initially available at 16 Mbps planned to
expand up to 50 Mbps, provides high speed Internet access Internet link.

OTHER IT SERVICES ARE:

SECURITY SOLUTIONS

NETWORK SOLUTIONS

GIS SERVICES

FUNCTIONS OF GNFC:
PRODUCTION:
GNFC Plants Installed capacity:
Plant

Installed Capacity

Ammonia

4,45,500 MTA

Urea

6,36,000 MTA

Ammonium Nitro phosphate

1,42,500 MTA

Calcium-Ammonium Nitrate

1,42,500 MTA

Methanol-I

50,000 MTA

Formic Acid

10,000 MTA

Methanol-II

1,00,000 MTA

Weak Nitric Acid

2,47,500 MTA

Concentrated-Nitric Acid I & II

66,000 MTA

Acetic Acid

1,00,000 MTA

Synthesis Gas Generation Unit

216 Million NM3 per annum

Captive Power Plant I & II

50 MWH

GNFC has always shown a dedication to standards of production and

environment safeguards, qualified research acumen, and 100% capacity
utilization for more than two decades
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTATION
Regional Offices:
Ahmedabad

Hyderabad

Bangalore

Jaipur

Bhopal

Lucknow

Chandigarh

New Delhi

Pune

GNFC Area Offices:

Karnal

Surat

Meerut

Bareilly

Indore

Agra

Jodhpur

Jalgaon

Udaipur

Vijaywada

Chennai

Mehsana

Rajkot

Vadodara

Bhavnagar

Ratlam
Raipur
Nasik
Cochin

Thus, GNFC has developed its marketing and distribution network all
over the India.
Environment Management
GNFC has developed and implemented Environment Management System
(EMS) as per 1S0:14001-1996 for its Fertilizers, Chemicals and supporting
services at Bharuch. GNFC is "An ISO:14001 Company" certified by the certifying
body RWTUV ,Germany. Presently, Latest certificate is valid up to January,2008
GNFC has so far spent Rs.800 million on installation of pollutants control
equipments and facilities. The company has also clear Environment Policy.

GNFC management is dedicated for allocating various resources for continual

environmental improvement.

Research & Development

Research and Development centre at GNFC was formally set up in 1986. The
R&D centre is recognized by DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology,
Government of India in 1988 as an in house R&D unit. The centre is manned by
highly qualified team of scientists and technologists.

1.3 LITERATURE REVIEW

Packaging is, now a days become very important. Basically, it provides protection
and identification to the product.
Packaging is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or protecting products
for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of
design, evaluation, and production of packages. Package labeling or labeling is
any written, electronic, or graphic communications on the packaging or on a
separate but associated label.
Packaging is heavily integrated into our daily lives, we see it all around us, on
everyday items such as chocolate bars and potato chip (crisp) packets- As
explained below, the main use for packaging is protection of the goods inside, but
packaging also provides us with a recognizable logo, or packaging, we instantly
know what the goods are inside
We can also define packaging as all the activities of designing and producing the
container for a product. Well-designed package can create convenience and
promotional value. The packaging is buyers first encounter with the product.

Various factors have contributed to the growing use of packaging as a marketing

tool, they are

Self service:
Many products are sold, today on the self service basis. Attractive packaging
helps the customer to get attracted towards the product.
Consumer affluence:
Means the consumers are willing to pay a little more for convenience,
appearance, dependability, and prestige of better package.
Company and brand image:
Packaging contributes to instant recognition of the company or brand.
Innovation opportunity:
Innovative packaging can bring large benefit to consumers and profits to
producers.
Developing the effective packaging requires a number of decisions. From the
perspective of both the firm and consumer , the packaging must achieve a
number of objectives, like
1

identifying the brand

convey descriptive and persuasive information

facilitate product transportation and protection

assist at-home storage

aid product consumption

The purposes of packaging and package labels:

Physical Protection
9

The objects enclosed in the package may require protection from, among other
things, shock, vibration, compression, temperature, etc.
Barrier Protection
A barrier from oxygen, water vapor, dust, etc., is often required. Package
permeability is a critical factor in design. Some packages contain desiccants or
Oxygen absorbers. especially, this purpose is important for the fertilizers.
Fertilizers get effected by the whether.
Containment or Agglomeration
Small objects are typically grouped together in one package for reasons of
efficiency. For example, a single box of 1000 pencils requires less physical
handling than 1000 single pencils. Liquids, powders, and flowables need
containment.
Information transmission
Information on how to use, transport, recycle, or dispose of the package or
product is often contained on the package or label. With pharmaceutical, food,
medical, and chemical products, some types of information are required by
governments.
Marketing
The packaging and labels can be used by marketers to encourage potential
buyers to purchase the product. Package design has been an important and
constantly evolving phenomenon for years. Marketing communications and
graphic design are applied to the surface of the package and (in many cases) the
point of sale display.
Security
Packaging can play an important role in reducing the security risks of shipment.
Packages can be made with improved tamper resistance to deter tampering and
also can have tamper-evident features to help indicate tampering. Packages may
include authentication seals to help indicate that the package and contents are
not counterfeit.
Convenience
Packages can have features which add convenience in distribution, handling,
display, sale, opening, enclosing, use, and reuse.
Portion Control

10

Single serving or single dosage packaging has a precise amount of contents to

control usage. Bulk commodities (such as salt) can be divided into packages that
are a more suitable size for individual households. It is also aids the control of
inventory: selling sealed one-liter-bottles of milk, rather than having people bring
their own bottles to fill themselves.
Packaging types
Packaging may be looked at as several different types. For example a transport
package or distribution package is the package form used to ship, store, and
handle the product or inner packages. Some identify a consumer package as one
which is directed toward a consumer or household.
It is sometimes convenient to categorize packages by layer or function: "primary",
"secondary", etc.

Primary packaging is the material that first envelops the product and holds
it. This usually is the smallest unit of distribution or use and is the package
which is in direct contact with the contents.

Secondary packaging is outside the primary packaging perhaps used to

group primary packages together.

Tertiary packaging is used for bulk handling and shipping.

Primary packaging

Bags-In-Boxes

Beverage can

Bottles

Blister packs

Carton

Envelopes

Plastic bags

Plastic bottles

Tin can

Wrappers

11

Secondary packaging

Boxes

Cartons

Shrink wrap

Tertiary packaging

Bales

Barrel

Crate

Container

edge protector

Flexible intermediate bulk container, Big bag, "Bulk Bags", or

"Super Sacks"

Intermediate bulk container

Pallets

Slip Sheet stretch wrap

These broad categories can be somewhat arbitrary. For example, depending on

the use, a shrink wrap can be primary packaging when applied directly to the
product, secondary packaging when combining smaller packages, and tertiary
packaging on some distribution packs
Developing effective Packaging may creat considerable amount of money and
several months to complete, but it also help company to gain good results.
PACKAGING FOR FERTILIZERS:

12

The fertilizers are packed in the bag with the weight of 50 kg. In case of fertilizers,
there nothing likes primary or secondary packaging. There are bags with weight
of 50 kg.

Packaging is important for fertilizers because fertilizers easily get

affected by the weather. The moisture affects the fertilizers. The package label of
fertilizers bag also contain the information regarding to NPK ratio, its weight,
price, name and logo of the manufacturing company, etc,
Good packaging of fertilizers helps in protecting them, providing necessary
information to farmers, attracting them, comfortable and safe handling, and safe
storing.
CHAPTER 2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY :
2.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT:
Customers opinion about the Packing of Fertilizers products and where the
packaging of GNFC fertilizers stands compared to competitors, in case of its
fertilizers products, in Valsad & near by villages.
2.2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE:
Prime Objectives:

To know the customers opinion about the packaging of fertilizers

products.

To know where the packaging of GNFC stands with compared to

the competitors

Secondary Objectives:

To know the use of fertilizers of different companies, by the

farmers.

To know the factors, those are taken in to consideration by the

farmers while choosing the fertilizers.

13

To know what are their opinion about double packaging, type of

bag, weight of bag, information printed on bag, etc,

To know where the farmers need improvement in the packaging

of fertilizers of GNFC.

To know how the customers rank different companies for their

packaging and why?

To provide some necessary suggestions.

2.3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

Before starting I have discussed with my guide at the company, and few farmers
about the packaging of fertilizers. I did general talk on the same topic with the
farmers. during this EXPLORATORY RESEARCH , I came to know about the
thoughts of farmers and the need of the need of the company. On this basis I
made questionnaire for further research.
For this part, the research design is DISCRIPTIVE CROSS SECTIONAL
RESEARCH DESIGN. as I have tried to give answer of questions like. What, how
much, why, etc, it is descriptive research design. And as the study is conducted
only at a particular point of time- the study would not be done again- it is cross
sectional research design.
PRE TESTING:
The pre testing was conducted on 15 farmers in the Valsad and nearby area.
According to their response the necessary modification was made in
questionnaire.
2.4 DEFINE TARGET POPULATION:
SAMPLING PLAN:

14

Sampling plan is very important when there is limited time. It helps in collecting
the appropriate data .it provides clear scheduled plan for collecting data.
SAMPLE DESCRIPTION
In this study the target population is of farmers, who consume the fertilizers.
SAMPLE SIZE:
150 farmers were interviewed as respondents.

SAMPLE SITE:
The samples were taken from Krishi Mahotsav 2012 Nana Pondha village of
Valsad district on 17th May 2012.
SAMPLE SELECTION TECHNIQUES:
NON PROBABILITY CONVENIENCE TECHNIQUE was used for selecting
samples. As the sample site was valsad and nearby villages, the probability of all
other farmers, to be selected as sample, was not same. And even in selected
sample site, who so ever farmers were available, was interviewed and so it is
convenient sampling.
2.5 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT:
The questionnaire was used as research instrument. That contains:Multiple options questions and Open ended questions.
2.6 DATA COLLECTION:
The two kinds of data were collected.
1 primary data
2 secondary data.
1. Primary data: collected through the questionnaire, from the farmers.
2. Secondary date: taken through the use of internet, printed outlets provided
by GNFC, the diary of GNFC, and some books.
15

2.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH:

1. PROBABILITY SAMPLING was not used. So the result can not be
generalized.
2. The time period was limited of two months.
3. The farmers can be biased while giving their opinions.
4. My own limitations: as being the new fellow in such study, the lack of
experience and expertise from my part creates some limitations.
2.8 TOOLS AND TECHANIQUES USED:

Frequency analysis: frequency analysis provides the frequency of the

respondents, in giving the answers of the questions.
Cross tabs:
The Cross tabs procedure forms two-way and multiway tables and provides a
variety of tests and measures of association for two-way tables. The structure of
the table and whether categories are ordered determine what test or measure to
use.

Crosstabs' statistics and measures of association are computed for two-way

tables only. If you specify a row, a column, and a layer factor (control variable),
the Crosstabs procedure forms one panel of associated statistics and measures
for each value of the layer factor (or a combination of values for two or more
control variables.
Cross tabs:

16

The Cross tabs procedure forms two-way and multiway tables and provides a
variety of tests and measures of association for two-way tables. The structure of
the table and whether categories are ordered determine what test or measure to
use.
Crosstabs' statistics and measures of association are computed for two-way
tables only. If you specify a row, a column, and a layer factor (control variable),
the Crosstabs procedure forms one panel of associated statistics and measures
for each value of the layer factor (or a combination of values for two or more
control variables.
CHAPTER 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRITATION
Q-1Do you use chemical fertilizers?
Q-2 If Yes, Which companies fertilizers do you use?

Purpose of the question: the question is asked to know the use of various
brands of fertilizers by the farmers.
Fertilizers used of various companies- Frequencies
Percent of
Responses
Fertilizers
Used(a)

fertilizer used of GNFC

fertilizer used of GSFC
fertilizer used of KRIBHCO
fertilizer used of IFFCO
fertilizer used of other

companies
Total
Dichotomy group tabulated at value 1.

Cases

N
116
110

Percent
22.6%
21.4%

N
77.3%
73.3%

115

22.4%

76.7%

100

19.5%

66.7%

72

14.0%

48.0%

513

100.0%

342.0%

17

Out of 150 respondents 116 are using the GNFC fertilizers. While for GSFC,
KRIBHCO, IFFCO and others this no. is 110, 115, 100, and 72 respectively. This
shows the highest usage of GNFC fertilizers. That is 77.3%

18

Q-3 How many bags of fertilizers, do you use per year?

Purpose of the question: To know the consumption of the fertilizers
No. of bags used per year

BAGS/YEAR
0-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
81-90
91-100
above 100
Total

Frequency
3
1
4
2
16
21
18
18
17
4
46
150

Percent
2.0
.7
2.7
1.3
10.7
14.0
12.0
12.0
11.3
2.7
30.7
100.0

19

The chart shows that there are 30% respondents who consume more than 100
bags of fertilizers per year. The users of less than 20 bags per year are very few.
It shows the huge consumption of fertilizers in terms of quantity.

20

Q-4 How many rupees do you spent on fertilizers per year?

Purpose of the question:

to know the consumption of fertilizers in rupees

terms. Fertilizers are one of the major inputs in agriculture. So to know how the
spending is done on fertilizers.
Rupees spent on fertilizer per year

0-10000
10001-20000
20001-30000
30001-40000
40001-50000
50001-60000
60001-70000
70001-80000
above 100000
Total

Frequency
3
18
28
20
17
15
5
5
39
150

Percent
2.0
12.0
18.7
13.3
11.3
10.0
3.3
3.3
26.0
100.0

The information shows that there are 26%respondants who spends more than
100000 rupees on fertilizers per year. There are very few farmers who spend less

21

than 10000 rupees on fertilizers per year. This also shows the big use of
fertilizers.

Q-5 what are the factors, those you consider while choosing the fertilizers?
(Give 1 to 5 ranks)
Purpose of the question: to know what are the factors that are considered by
the farmers, while choosing the fertilizers and in which order?
Rank 1 Frequencies
Percent of
Responses
rank(a)

Rank given to price

rank given to attractive

packaging
Rank given to brand
Rank given to bag quality
Rank given to NPK ratio
Total
a Dichotomy group tabulated at value 1.

Cases

N
30

Percent
20.0%

N
20.0%

2.0%

2.0%

34
4
79
150

22.7%
2.7%
52.7%
100.0%

22.7%
2.7%
52.7%
100.0%

If we talk about rank 1 than, 79 respondents give 1 st rank to the NPK ratio.34
respondents give 1st rank to brand .while only 3 respondents give 1 st rank to
attractive packaging.

22

Rank 2 Frequencies
Percent of
Responses
rank(a)

Rank given to price

rank given to attractive

packaging
Rank given to brand
Rank given to bag quality
Rank given to NPK ratio
Total
a Dichotomy group tabulated at value 2.

Cases

N
32

Percent
21.3%

N
21.3%

2.0%

2.0%

44
12
59
150

29.3%
8.0%
39.3%
100.0%

29.3%
8.0%
39.3%
100.0%

59 respondents give 2nd rank to NPK ratio. 44 respondents give 2 nd rank to brand.
Here also only 3 respondents give 2nd rank to attractive packaging.
The above both the table shows that the farmers give more preference to NPK
ratio and the brand. While they give least preference to attractive packaging.

Q-6 Out of the information printed on bag , what are the informations you
consider?
Purpose of the question: to know what informations do they consider, printed
on bag, so that necessary improvement can be done in printing the information.
Information printed on bag.

23

Percent of
Responses
Information

out of printed information

weight is considered

printed on
bag(a)

NPK ratio is considered

company name is considered
fertilizer name is considered
company

logo is considered

price is considered
Total

Cases

Percent

42

7.6%

28.0%

141

25.5%

94.0%

111

20.1%

74.0%

131

23.7%

87.3%

49

8.9%

32.7%

78

14.1%

52.0%

552

100.0%

368.0%

The table shows that 141 respondents considered the information of NPK
ratio.131 considered the name of the fertilizers while 111 considered the
information of company name and 78 considered the price. Few respondents
considered weight and logo.(42 & 49 respectively)

Q-7 How much a particular fertilizer should be used for different crops
should this information be printed on the bag?
Purpose of the question: to know the opinion of the respondents for this idea.
Crop wise information should be printed on bag

yes
no

Frequency
105
45

Percent
70.0
30.0

24

Total

150

100.0

70% respondents believe that this information should be printed on the bag of
fertilizers so that it provides guideline

Q-8 Which kinds of bag do you prefer?

Purpose of the question: to know the preference of the farmers for bag.

Better bag, jute/HDEP

Jute
HDPE
Total

Frequency
14
136
150

Percent
9.3
90.7
100.0
25

90.7% respondents believe that the present HDPE bag is better. They prefer
HDPE bag.

Q-9

Can you identify the bag of Narmada fertilizers of GNFC, without

reading the name?

Q-10 If yes, through which?
Purpose of the questions: Except the name, by which element the Narmada
fertilizer is identified. So that more focus on that element can be given.
Identification of ''NARMADA'' brand

yes

Frequency
150

Percent
100.0

26

The identification of NARMADA is done by

logo of company

Frequency
150

Percent
100.0

All the respondents can identify the Narmada fertilizers of GNFC without
reading the name. they all can identify only through the logo of the company. So
the logo of the company is quite popular among the farmers.

Q-11 how much weight of fertilizer bag is appropriate according to you?

Purpose of the question:

during the pre testing I found that many farmers

were complaining that now a days , it becomes difficult for people to handle the
weight of 50 kg at a time, so there should be bag with the weight of 25-30 kg. so
this question has been kept to know the opinion of other respondents.
Weight of bag

50
25-30
Total

Frequency
109
41
150

Percent
72.7
27.3
100.0

27

72.7% respondents believe that the present 50 kg bag is appropriate. While

27.3% respondents believe that there should be bag with the weight of 25-30 kg.

Q-12 Do you believe that the double packaging of GNFC fertilizer helps in
protecting the products.
Purpose of the question: GNFC has introduced DOUBLE PACKAGING in
particularly NARMADA CAN. This question has been asked to know whether this
double packaging has got succeed.
Successful double packaging

yes
no
Total

Frequency
135
15
150

Percent
90.0
10.0
100.0

28

90% respondents believe that the double packaging helps in protecting the
products.

Q-13 which things you find appropriate in packaging of GNFC fertilizers?

Q-14 which things you find in packaging of GNFC fertilizers, that need to be
improved ?
Purpose of the question: to know according to respondents what is appropriate
and what need to be changed. The options given in both these questions are
same and so they also check whether the respondent is consistent.
Appropriate- Frequencies

Appropriate

Bag color is appropriate

print color is appropriate
Logo size is appropriate
Bag material is appropriate

Responses
N
Percent
111
14.5%
138
18.0%
145
19.0%
118

% CASE
N
74.0%
92.0%
96.7%

15.4%

78.7%

29

Steaching is appropriate
weight is appropriate
others is appropriate

131
114
8
765

Total

17.1%
14.9%
1.0%
100.0%

87.3%
76.0%
5.3%
510.0%

Need to improve- Frequencies

Percent of
Need to Improve (a)

Responses

Cases

Percent

bag color should be improved

37

27.0%

40.2%

print color should be improved

10

7.3%

10.9%

logo size should be improved

2.9%

4.3%

bag material should be improved

32

23.4%

34.8%

steaching should be improved

19

13.9%

20.7%

weight should be improved

35

25.5%

38.0%

137

100.0%

148.9%

Total
a Dichotomy group tabulated at value 1.

30

27% respondents believe that the color of bag should be changed. Instead of
present white bag some colorful bag should be there. (Probably sky blue)
23%respondents believe that the quality of bag should be improved.
25.5%respondents believe that the weight should be changed.

Q-15 Give rank 1 to 5 to the following brand for their bag quality.
Purpose of the question:

in packaging the bag quality is one of the most

important elements for the farmers. The empty bags are used for making carpers,
for storing grains in it, etc. so farmers give importance to the quality of the bag
also. This question finds according to farmers which companys bag quality is
good?
Bag Quality Frequencies
Percent of
Bag Quality(a)

Responses

Cases

Percent

rank to bag quality of GNFC

82

54.7%

54.7%

rank to bag quality of GSFC

31

20.7%

20.7%

rank to bag quality of IFFCO

26

17.3%

17.3%

rank to bag quality of KRIBHCO

11

7.3%

7.3%

31

Total
a Dichotomy group tabulated at value 1.

150

100.0%

100.0%

54.7% respondents say that the bag quality of GNFC is best. Then comes GSFC,
IFFCO, KRIBHCO in descending order.

Q-16 Give rank 1 to 4 to following brands for the packaging of their

fertilizers
Q-17 according to you, what are the reasons for good packaging of above
companies
Purpose of the questions: how the farmers give rank to different companies for
the packaging of their fertilizers and why and where the GNFC stands compared
to the competitors, for packaging of its fertilizers
Rank for Packaging Frequencies
Percent of
Rank to Packaging(a)

Responses

Cases

Percent

rank to packaging of GNFC

77

51.3%

51.3%

rank to packaging of GSFC

31

20.7%

20.7%

rank to packaging of KRIBHCO

16

10.7%

10.7%

rank to packaging of IFFCO

26

17.3%

17.3%

150

100.0%

100.0%

Total
a Dichotomy group tabulated at value 1.

32

77 (51.3%) respondents believe that the packaging of GNFC is best. Means

GNFC stands 1st for its packaging of fertilizers products.

Reasons for good packaging Frequencies

Percent of
Reasons(a)

Responses

Cases

Percent

bag color is reason for good packaging

82

13.2%

54.7%

print color is reason for good packaging

62

10.0%

41.3%

bag material is reason for good packaging

135

21.8%

90.0%

info. Printed is reason for good packaging

120

19.4%

80.0%

steaching is reason for good packaging

131

21.2%

87.3%

weight is reason for good packaging

89

14.4%

59.3%

Total
a Dichotomy group tabulated at value 1.

619

100.0%

412.7%

The reasons for good packaging are21.8% are saying good bag material.
21.2% are saying good stitching.
19.4% are saying information printed is the reason.

33

Chi-square test:
Here

by

chi-square

test

we

will

try

to

find

that

Is there any significance association between the quantity of land owned by the
farmers and the rank given to different factors while choosing the fertilizers?
Null Hypothesis: There is no significance association between the Qty of LAND
owned by the farmers & the rank given to PRICE, while choosing the fertilizers.
Alternative Hypothesis: There is significance association between the Qty of
LAND owned by the farmers & the rank given to PRICE, while choosing the
fertilizers.
Chi-Square Tests
Value

Df

Asymp. Sig. (2sided)

Pearson Chi-Square

50.230

20

.000

Here the significance value comes at 0.000, which is less than 0.05. So, null
hypothesis is rejected. And so, alternative hypothesis is accepted. So there is

34

significance association between the Qty of LAND owned by the farmers & the
rank given to PRICE, while choosing the fertilizers.

Land & attract packaging

Null Hypothesis: There is no significance association between the Qty of LAND
owned by the farmers & the rank given to ATTRACTIVE PACKAGING, while
choosing the fertilizers.
Alternative Hypothesis: There is significance association between the Qty of
LAND owned by the farmers & the rank given to ATTRACTIVE PACKAGING,
while choosing the fertilizers

Chi-Square Tests
Value
Pearson Chi-Square

25.303

Df

Asymp. Sig.

20

(2-sided)
.190

Here the significance value comes at 0.190, which is greater than 0.05. So, null
hypothesis is accepted. And so, there is NO significance association between the
Qty of LAND owned by the farmers & the rank given to ATTRACTIVE
PACKAGING, while choosing the fertilizers.

35

Land & brand

Null Hypothesis: There is no significance association between the Qty of LAND
owned by the farmers & the rank given to BRAND, while choosing the fertilizers.
Alternative Hypothesis: There is significance association between the Qty of
LAND owned by the farmers & the rank given to BRAND, while choosing the
fertilizers
Chi-Square Tests
Value
Pearson Chi-Square

24.715

Df

Asymp. Sig. (2-

20

sided)
.213

Here the significance value comes at 0.213, which is greater than 0.05. So, null
hypothesis is accepted. And so, So there is NO significance association between
the Qty of LAND owned by the farmers & the rank given to BRAND, while
choosing the fertilizers.

36

Land & Bag quality

Null Hypothesis: There is no significance association between the Qty of LAND
owned by the farmers & the rank given to QUALITY OF THE BAG, while
choosing the fertilizers.
Alternative Hypothesis: There is significance association between the Qty of
LAND owned by the farmers & the rank given to QUALITY OF THE BAG, while
choosing the fertilizers
Chi-Square Tests
Value

Df

Asymp. Sig. (2sided)

Pearson Chi-Square

31.309

20

.051

Here the significance value comes at 0.051, which is greater than 0.05. So, null
hypothesis is accepted. And so, there is NO significance association between the
Qty of LAND owned by the farmers & the rank given to QUALITY OF THE BAG,
while choosing the fertilizers.

37

Land & NPK ratio

Null Hypothesis: There is no significance association between the Qty of LAND
owned by the farmers & the rank given to NPK RATIO, while choosing the
fertilizers.
Alternative Hypothesis: There is significance association between the Qty of
LAND owned by the farmers & the rank given to NPK RATIO, while choosing the
fertilizers
Chi-Square Tests
Value

Df

Asymp. Sig. (2sided)

Pearson Chi-Square

19.396

20

.496

Here the significance value comes at 0.496, which is greater than 0.05. So, null
hypothesis is accepted. And so, there is NO significance association between the
Qty of LAND owned by the farmers & the rank given to NPK RATIO, while
choosing the fertilizers.

38

FINDINGS:
1. Out of 100% respondents 77% respondents are using the fertilizer of
GNFC. with that
73% are using the fertilizers of GSFC
76% are using the fertilizers of KRIBHCO
66% are using the fertilizers of IFFCO
485 are also using the fertilizers of other brands.
Other includes the brands like, URVIK UREA, MIXTURE OF NAVSARI ,
MIXTURE OF JUNAGHADH. Etc ,
So, we can conclude that the use of GNFC fertilizers is maximum.

2. There are about 30.7% respondents who consume more than 100 bags
per year. and about 26% respondents who spend more than 100000
rupees on fertilizers per year. So Valsad and nearby region has a big
potential.

39

3. While choosing the fertilizers, the main factors, those are considered are
NPK ratio, and than brand and than price. While less importance is given
to attractive packaging.
4. In the same way, out of printed information on the bag, NPK ratio, name of
the fertilizers is considered the most. Than comes brand name. while
weight and logo of the company is generally ignored.
5. 70% respondents believe that the crop wise information should be
printed on the bag. so that it provides the guideline in using that fertilizers
for different kind of crops.
6. The companys present HDPE bag is preferred by the respondents.
7. 27.3% respondents believe that the company should introduce the bag
with the weight of 25-30 kg.
8. 90% respondents believe that the double packaging of GNFC is good and
protect the product.
9. All respondents can identify the bag of GNFC, by only seeing the logo of
the company.
10. 27% respondents believe that the color of the bag should be colorful. E.g.
sky blue.
11. 54% respondents believe that the bag quality of GNFC is best.
12. 51% respondents believe that the overall packaging of GNFC is best.
13. There is no significance association between the Qty of the land owned by
the farmers & the the rank given to PRICE, while choosing the fertilizers.
But there is NO significance association between the Qty of the LAND

40

owned by the farmers & the rank given to the factors likeATTRACTIVE
PACKAGING,BRAND,QUALITY OF THE BAG & NPK RATIO.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
The following recommendations can be given to the company1. Looking at to the figure of the consumption of fertilizers, we can say that
there is a huge potential for fertilizers market, in Valsad and nearby
villages.
77% respondents are using the GNFC fertilizers. The
remaining 23% respondents complaint that they cannot get the GNFC fertilizers
as and when required, due to non availability at the dealer. And so the company
should make the fertilizers easily available.
2. The company should focus on printing the information like NPK ratio.
Name of the brand and the name of the fertilizer.
3. The company should introduce the bag with the weight of 25-30 kg. Even
to check the view of more farmers. It may possible that this new weight
can be appreciated by other farmers also.
4. The company should go for double packaging in other fertilizers also, as it
is demanded by the farmers.
5. The company should change the color of its bag. As many people said the
color should be sky blue or light green.

41

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. www.gnvfc.net
2. www.gnvfc.net/itdivision.html
3. www.gnvfc.net/chemicals/chemicals.html
4.

www.gnvfc.net/fertilizers/fertilizers.html

5. www.iip-in.com
6. http://fert.nic.in/
7. Marketing Management- by Kotler & Keller
8. printed outlets provided by GNFC

42

APPENDIX :1
RESEARCH INSTRUMENT:
Hello,
I come from GNFC Bharuch. I am having a summer project at GNFC as a
part of my M.B.A. curriculum. In this project, I am doing survey on Packaging of
fertilizers products. You are requested to fill up this questionnaire for this purpose.

Introduction :
-

Please Read each question carefully and give answer without

bias.

The information received from you would be used for

academic purpose and would be kept confidential.

(1)

Do you use chemical fertilizers?

Yes

No

43

(2)

If Yes, Which companies fertilizers you used? (Tick In box)

GNFC

IFFCO

GSFC

Others ____________

KRIBHCO
(3)

How many bags of fertilizers, you used for a year? (Tick In box)
0-10

61-70

11-20

71-80

21-30

81-90

31-40

91-100

41-50

Above 100

51-60
(4)

How much rupees you spend on fertilizers for a Year? (Tick In

box)
0-10,000

60,000-70,000

10,000-20,000

70,000-80,000

20,000-30,000

80,000-90,000

30,000-40,000

90,000-1,00,00

40,000-50,000

Above 1,00,000

50,000-60,000
(5)

What are the factors, that you considered while choosing fertilizers
(Give Rank 1 to 5)
Price
Attractive Packaging
Brand
Bag quality
N.P.K. Ratio

44

(6)

Out of the Information Printed on the bag which are the informations
you consider? (Tick In box)
Price
Weight
N.P.K. Ratio
Name of Company
Name of fertilizers
Logo of company

(7)

How much a particular fertilizer should be used for different crops

should this information be printed on bag?
Yes

(8)

Which kind of bag do you prefer?

Jute bag

(9)

No

H.D.P.E. Bag

Can you identify then bag of Narmada Fertilizers of GNFC,

Without reading the name?
Yes

(10)

No

If yes, through which you can Identified?

Color of Bag
Print of Bag
Logo of Company

(11)

How much weight of fertilizers Bag is appropriate according to you.

The Present Weight

50 KG
25-30 KG

(12)

Do you believe that Double packaging of GNFC fertilizers, helps in

protecting the product?
Yes

No
45

(13)

Out of following which things, you find appropriate in GNFC

fertilizers packaging? (Tick In box)
Bag Color
Print Color
Loge Size
Bag materials
Steaching
Weight
Others

(14)

Out of following which things should be improved in GNFC

fertilizers packaging? (Tick In box)
Bag Color
Print Color
Loge Size
Bag materials
Steaching
Weight
Others

(15)

Give Rank 1 to 4 the following brands for the quality of the Bag ?
Narmada (GNFC)
Sardar (GSFC)
IFFCO
KRIBCHO

(16)

Give Rank 1 to 4 to the following brands for the packaging of the

fertilizers product.
Narmada (GNFC)

46

Sardar (GSFC)
IFFCO
KRIBCHO
(17)

According to you, what are the reason for good packaging of above
companion (Tick In box)
Bag Color
Print Color
Bag materials
Information printed
Steaching
Weight

(18)

If

you

Other

have

any

suggestion,

Please

___________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
__________________

Personal Information :Name

___________________________________________________
Address

___________________________________________________
Age

: _______________

Land

: (in Acres)
1-5

16-20

6-10

21-25

11-15

26 and above

47

Crops Taken: (Tick In box)

Sugarcane
Vegetable
Rice
Wheat
Others ___________
___________

Thank You
APPENDIX 2:
OTHER MANUFACTURERS OF FERTILIZERS:
Fertilizer Industry in India
Key players

Company

Address

National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)

National Fertilizers

www.nationalfertilizers.com

Limited,
Vijaipur
National Fertilizers
Limited,
Panipat,
Haryana
National Fertilizers
Limited,
Punjab-151003.

48

National Fertilizers
Limited,
Punjab

Fertilisers & Chemicals Travancore Ltd. (FACT)

Udyogamandal Division

www.fact.co.in

Kochi, Kerala
Petrochemical Division
Kochi, Kerala
Cochin Division
Kochi, Kerala
Engineering
Consultancy Unit
Kochi, Kerala
Fabricating and
Engineering Unit
Kochi, Kerala

Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (RCF)

Madras Fertilizers

www.madrasfert.nic.in

Limited
Chennai 600 068.

Steel Authority Of India Limited (SAIL)

Rourkela Steel Plant

www.sail.co.in
Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd. (NLC)

Fertilizer Factory

www.nlcindia.com

Tamil Nadu

Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL)

PPL Township

www.paradeepphosphates.com

Jagatsinghpur-

Pyrites, Phosphates & Chemicals Ltd. (PPCL)

Amjhore

www.ppclindia.com

(Bihar)
Saladipura
Rajasthan
1-AB, Ravindra Nath

49

Tagore Marg
Uttaranchal

Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Limited (HFC)

Durgapu
West Bengal
Barauni
Bihar
Haldia
West Bengal

Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited

Namrup

www.bvfcl.com

Assam

The Fertilizer Corporation Of India Limited (FCIL)

Sindri
Jharkhand
Ramagundam
(A.P.)
Talcher
Orissa
Gorakhpur
Uttar Pradesh

Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)

Khetri
Acid Cum Fertilizer Plant
Khetrinagar

FCI Aravali Gypsum And Minerals India Limited

Namrup
P.O. Parbatpur
Dibrugarh-786623
Assam

Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited

Kalol

(IFFCO)

IFFCO
P.O.Kasturinagar
Distt.Gandinagar-382423.

50

Gujarat
Kandla
IFFCO
Post Box No. 12
Gandhidham
Kandla- 370210
Gujarat
Phulpur
IFFCO
P.O. Ghiyanagar
Phulpur
Allahabad- 212404
Uttar Pradesh
Aonla
IFFCO
P.O. IFFCO Township
Dist. Bareilly- 243403
Uttar Pradesh
Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO)

Hazira
Hazira Fertiliser Complex
P.O. KRIBHCO Nagar
Hazira
Surat- 394515
Gujarat

Gujarat State Fertilizer and Chemical limited

Fertilizernagar

www.gsfclimited.com

(Vadodara)
Kosamba (Surat)
Sikka (Jamnagar)
Vadodara

51

Coromandel Fertilizers Limited www.cflindia.com

Vishakhapatnam
Navi Mumbai

Sriram Fertilizers and Chemicals

Kota, Rajasthan

http://www.dscl.com/
Business_Agree_Urea.aspx

Zuari Industries Limited- Fertilizer Limited

Goa

www.zuari-chambal.com

Southern Petrochemicals Inds. Corpn. Ltd.:

Tuticorin

www.spic.in

Duncans Industries Limited

Kanpur

www.duncansfertiliser.com

Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited

Panambur, Mangalore

www.mangalorechemicals.com

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers Co. Ltd.

Bharuch, Gujarat

www.gnvfc.net

Deepak Fertilizers & Petrochemicals Ltd

Plot K1, MIDC Industrial

www.dfpcl.com

Area,
P.O.TalojaMaharashtra.

52

Indo-Gulf Fertilizers & Chemicals Corporation

PO Jagdishpur

Limited www.indo-gulf.co.in

Industrial Area
Uttar Pradesh

Godavari Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited

Kakinada

www.gfcl.com

Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited

Kakinada

www.nagarjunagroup.com

53