'Minimising reliance on imports is part of our strategy'

AM International, which has interests in petrochemicals, fertilisers and green solutions, has announced expansion plans across segments. ASHWIN MUTHIAH, founder chairman of AM International and the chairman of Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation (Spic), one of India's early agri-nutrient and fertiliser companies, told Shine Jacob about the group's plans in a video interview. Edited excerpts:

You have said fertilisers and chemicals are your focus areas. What is your market outlook in the segment, considering the geopolitical situation?

We have been part of the fertiliser industry for the last five decades. We have a good grip on this industry.

India has evolved today to become a self-sufficient, cost-efficient producer of fertilisers. There is a great opportunity for Indian manufacturers to expand capacity to meet the demands of India and become a centre of exporting fertilisers.

The government has put in a lot of effort to provide infrastructure for the industry. Spic itself was deep down in South (India) where clean fuel gas was a distant reality. Today that has become a reality and Spic has uninterrupted supply of feedstock, which is making us a more efficient manufacturer.

We are growing our capacity because there is enough of local demand. Our focus is to increase production in all aspects of fertiliser-making, be it urea, phosphate.