National, June 27, 2023: Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world's leading crop
nutrition company, recently overhauled its manufacturing unit in Babrala, Uttar Pradesh in record
time of 35 days, reducing its Specific energy of Urea to below 5 Gcal/MT Urea. After this overhaul,
this plant is one of the most sustainable Urea manufacturing plants across India among the same
vintage plants and the most sustainable among the manufacturing units under the Yara global
network. It demonstrates Yara India's unwavering commitment to enhancing efficiency and
sustainability within the agricultural industry.
This significant achievement marks a milestone since Yara's acquisition of the plant from Tata
Chemicals in 2018. Through diligent efforts, Yara has successfully been able to lower the Specific
Energy Consumption from 5.18 GCal/MT Urea to an impressive 4.95 GCal/MT Urea. This
remarkable reduction corresponds to a 5% decrease in emissions, which is equivalent to substantial
annual decrease of approx 70,000 TCO2e. By adhering to the principles of 7Rs of sustainability, the
Babrala site has achieved remarkable energy efficiency, specific water consumption, effluent
generation, and greenhouse gas emission reduction. These achievements position the Babrala unit
as a trailblazer within the urea manufacturing industry in India.
Highlighting its commitment to sustainable land management, Yara India's Babrala unit has
undertaken extensive water conservation projects within and beyond the fence. In former category,
Yara Babrala replaced their old STPs with new MBR based technology STP and using the treated
sewage effluent for high end application as cooling water makeup. Also, the site developed the
infrastructure for rainwater harvesting, having potential of 1,28,000 KL. In latter category, over the
past two years, the company has successfully covered 350 acres of agriculture land, showcasing its
dedication to fostering sustainable agricultural practices of water conservation and ensuring future
food production. The company aims to cover 300 acres of land by the end of CY 2023. The site has
also rejuvenated four nos. of ponds (approx 15000 sq mtr) in nearby community for ground water
recharge. The Babrala plant, one of the largest and most sustainable agricultural units in the country,
annually produces 1.2 million metric tonne of urea.
Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, said, "We take immense pride in our newly
renovated Babrala plant which now has taken its position among the leading sustainable
manufacturing facilities in the country. The unit embodies sustainability, with health, environment,
safety, and quality as its key pillars. It has played a pivotal role in driving economic growth by
creating employment opportunities through collaborations with local stakeholders and suppliers. We
strive to set industry benchmarks by adopting the highest level of environmental responsibility and
employing cutting-edge technologies for sustainable operations. Our continuous growth efforts at
Babrala align with our global commitment to responsibly nourish the world and safeguard our planet
while uplifting the local community towards the nature positive food future".
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Maya Shanker Prasad, Plant Head, Yara Fertilisers India Pvt. Ltd., said, "For 28 years, Barbara
Plant has played a vital role in our nation's food security. We have provided crop nutrients that have
helped feed people across the country. We are committed to becoming one of the most sustainable
plants globally.”
Aligned with Yara India's core values, the Babrala unit has spearheaded community development
initiatives across crucial sectors such as healthcare/sanitation, education, agricultural development,
animal husbandry, women empowerment/skill development, and infrastructure enhancement. By
integrating sustainable practices throughout its operations, the unit has emerged as a catalyst for
positive change within the region.
In line with its mission to create a positive societal impact, Yara India has forged meaningful
partnerships with numerous NGOs and government bodies. The company is establishing smart
classes in 20 government and government-aided schools, fostering educational advancement in
underprivileged communities. Moreover, Yara India has organized residential skill training programs,
empowering 390 youth with essential vocational skills in the last two years. The company has also
made notable contributions to healthcare, facilitating 270 cataract surgeries, 136 prosthetic for
amputees and implementing projects of various organizations.
The latest infrastructure development at the Babrala unit includes the construction of channels for 33
tube wells through underground pipeline system, ensuring safe drinking water for the community
through RO plants, improvement of 84 cattle sheds covering more than 350 cattle and providing
bench and desk for 300 students of Government Schools.
With a focus on technological advancement, community development, and environmental
sustainability, Yara India continues to set new standards for excellence in the industry.
About Yara India
Yara has been operating in India for more than two decades, since it began working with Indian
growers to relook at the nutrition of their crops, in order to improve on yields and quality. In 2011,
Yara setup its own operations in the state of Maharashtra. On 12 January 2018, Yara successfully
acquired Tata Chemicals’ urea business relating to the company’s Babrala plant in Uttar Pradesh. It
was India’s first foreign direct investment in the highly regulated urea sector. With this acquisition,
Yara gained a significant position in northern India, with access to a strong network of 650-700
dealers and enhanced crop nutrition solutions to farmers in North India. Today, Yara India has a pan-
India presence. It is working closely with Indian farmers to fulfil the company’s mission to
responsibly feed the world and protect the planet.