LAHORE: The Fauji Fertilizer Company celebrates FFC Day on March 8th to commemorate the day when the foundation stone of its first fertilizer plant was laid at Goth Macchi in 1979. Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFCL) was founded in 1978 as a joint venture between Fauji Foundation and HaldorTopsoe A/S Denmark. The main aim of investing in the fertilizer sector in the 1970’s was to locally manufacture urea and meet the country’s fertilizer requirement to provide food security. The major portion of capital for establishing FFC’s first plant came from Fauji Foundation which also leads the board. Urea is a critical ingredient for agriculture productivity and ensures food security in the country. FFC has been instrumental in establishing a broad network of distribution and sales throughout the entire geographical territory of the country, whilst maintaining fair price parity amongst the low consumption or remote areas. FFC is helping the nation through various setups of farm advisory services regarding fertilization, soil testing, water sampling, and balanced use of fertilizers. These initiatives are playing a key role in maximizing the agricultural output of the country and achieving self-sufficiency in staple foods. FFC has progressively grown over the past 38 years and currently has 3 x fertilizer plants and has the largest fertilizer market share in Pakistan. The company has diversified into other businesses such as the banking sector (acquisition of Askari bank), the food business, and has pioneered wind energy in Pakistan with a 50MW project at Jhampir Sindh. FFC has always looked beyond its financial profitability and is one of the highest contributors to the National Exchequer, having contributed approximately Rs 398 billion since the inception of the company. In the year 2016, FFC’s contribution amounted to Rs 45 billion as tax payment. In his message, MD Lt Gen (r), Shafqaat Ahmed, appreciated the sheer hard work and dedication of previous and present leadership and employees in making FFC a brand for ethical and successful business nationally and internationally. He reiterated his resolve to stand with the government and other stakeholders and business partners to back all efforts in supporting the farming community in particular, and other stakeholders in general for making an economically strong Pakistan.