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Internship Report at Fauji Fertilizer Company (PVT) Ltd.

Technical Report · September 2017

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14152.96008

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 Internship Report

Contents

1. Summary
2. Introduction of FFC
3. Working at FFC Marketing Lahore
4. Farm Advisory Centre Bahawalpur
5. Organizational Structure of Farm Advisory Centre
6. Field Work (Agronomy and Extension)
7. Laboratory Analysis
 Submitted By:
Muhammad Fraz Ali
14-Arid-5436
Department of Agronomy
Faculty of Crop and Food Science,
PMAS-Arid Agriculture University,
Rawalpindi
Summary:
My summer internship at the Fauji Fertilizers Company, Pakistan (Marketing Office
Lahore, and Farm Advisory Centre, Bahawalpur) has been one of the most significant learning
experiences of my life. I feel satisfied as working with FFC at both places marketing group and
farm advisory center. I have learnt a lot of new things. Working with farmer community is my
first experience of my life and this is very good. In field, I have learned about group discussions,
farmer meetings, demonstration plots & field days. And in lab, I have learned about the soil
water sampling, i.e. extraction of N, P, K, Na and organic matter content. While working at FFC
Marketing office I have learnt about the working of different department in an office. I am very
thankful to all officers which gave me training at Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited.
Introduction of FFC:
FFC is the best Fertilizer Company that is the highest manufacturer of urea fertilizers in
Pakistan. FFC also works for the FFBL for the sake of marketing of different products. FFC also
imports different micronutrients and macronutrients. FFC only produces Sona Urea, among the
highest producers of Pakistan. Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited produces Sona DAP which
will complete the country needs. FFC also imports potassium from different countries and sell
them in Pakistan. Potassium products are named as FFC-SOP and FFC-MOP while the macro
nutrients are called so as Sona Boran and Sona Zinc. FFC has the head office in the Rawalpindi
while head marketing office is in Lahore. Head of Sales department is also located in the Lahore.
FFC is functional in different regions and cities of Pakistan for the provision of quality fertilizers
and the betterment of soils.
Working at FFC Marketing Group Lahore:
For the first 9 working days of my internship I appointed at Fauji Fertilizers Marketing
Group Lahore in which I have learned about the working of different departments. Some of the
brief introduction is given below.
Department of Agri. Services:
For the first four days, from 25-July-2017 to 29-July 2017 I have attend the learning
session in department of Agri. Services which is one the major department related to my
internship.
I have learned how to deliver the message to farmer, external evaluation of field, farm advisory
center which are working under the agri. services department. I have written article on
sugarcane, grapes and on strawberries for the next zarai report which is published by department
of agri. services.
Distribution and Warehousing:
On 31-July-2017 I have been appointed in distribution, I have learned about the
distribution of fertilizers to warehouses and dealers from the factory. They are also involved in
the Import and Export of fertilizers within the country. They are directly in contact with factories
production unit and warehouse, and somehow with the sales department.
On 31-July-2017 I have been appointed in warehousing, I have learned about the total number of
warehouses which FFC during the need. I have learned about the types of warehouses and the
types of agreement which are made when hiring a place for warehouse form some farmer.
Marketing Research and Advertisement & Sales Promotion:
On 01-August-2017 I have been appointed in marketing research, I have learned about
the different surveys which are taken by the FFC for the company performance. These surveys
are taken from the sona dealers and or some time from the farmers. These surveys will have
conducted with the help of agri. services department and or sometime with the sales department.
On 01-August-2017 I have been appointed in A&SP, I have learned about the advertisement of
fertilizers in the different types of mass media. Sometime farmer messages of agri. services are
delivered with the help of A&SP department. A&SP works with national and local print,
electronic media for the promotion of FFC products. A&SP also gives promotions likes gifts,
samples bags, fertilizers to the farmers and sona dealers for higher sale and use of fertilizers.
Administration and Human Resource:
On 02-August-2017 I have been appointed in administration, I have learned about the
different tasks of administration, which include the working of transport section, medical unit,
car loan method, reimbursement of medical bills and all other types of bill. I have read all the
polices and organization structure of the Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited.
In Human Resource, I have learned about the recruitment of new staff, their appointment, and
attachment with all other related and allied departments of FFC.
Sales:
On 03-August-2017 I have been appointed sales department is the leading department in
marketing group, in sale department I have learned about the daily sales in each region, total
number of bags sales, how much stock is remained in the store, making of daily sales report,
sales analysis, Mr. Saim tells me each and every thing about the Head of Sales department at
FFC Marketing Group Lahore.
Planning:
On 04-August-2017 I have been appointed Planning is the leading department in an
office in which a person or officer thinks how to improve the company performance, how we
work in the next days and all the other matter related to coming future.
Farm Advisory Centre:
07-August-2017 to 04-September-2017
Farm Advisory Centre are the field offices of Fauji Fertilizer Company located in different
regions in Pakistan which are working for the well-being and prosperity of Farmers and helping
in the economics values of crops and agriculture in the Pakistan. Farm Advisory Centre have
officers which are appointed different areas for working. FAC also have a laboratory for the
testing of soil and water testing. FAC also have demo van which have gadgets of Multimedia and
many others. Farm Advisory Centre is capable for working of different tasks which are given
below: -
 Soil and Water Samples Testing
 Field Visits
 Farm Visits
 Group Discussions
 Field Days
 Famer Meetings
 Crop Seminars

Organizational Structure of Farm Advisory Centre:

Mr. Abdul Jalil Jarwar Deputy Manager Marketing (Agri. Services), FAC Bahawalpur
Mr. Aftab Naseen Senior Executive Marketing (Agri. Services), FAC Bahawalpur
Mr. Hassan Raza Executive Marketing (Agri. Services), FAC Bahawalpur
Mr. Niaz Ahmad Junior Executive Marketing (Agri. Services), FAC Bahawalpur

For my internship field work, I was appointed at FAC-Bahawalpur, Mr. Abdul Jalil
Jarwar, DM-MKT (AS) FAC Bahawalpur appointed me for the first two weeks with Mr. Hassan
Raza (EX-MKT(AS) FAC Bahawalpur. With Mr. Hassan Raza, I have visited the different
villages of District Bahawalpur, Tehsil Ahmad Pur East which includes Channi Goth,
Mubarakpur, I have visit to cotton and sugarcane Demo Plots which are planted by the FFC in
these areas with the help of farmers of in that region. Brief introduction about all the working of
FFC is given below.
Field Work Agronomy and Extension Work
Group Discussion:
Group discussion is the type of extensions activity which is performed in the field for the
training of farmer on his farm with the availability of more than 10 farmers. In which a field
officer or expert solves the problem of farmer and answer each question of farmers. In Group
discussion, all farmers make a get to gather on a farm of reputed farmer. In GD’s field officer tell
about the recent problems, fertilizers application at the given stage of the crop. Pictures are also
taken for the office record. I have also attended many group discussion with Mr. Aftab Naseem
and
Mr. Hassan Raza at Lodhran , Mubarakpur, Channi Goth, Musafir Khaana and Ahmad Pur East.

(Attending a Group Discussion Session with Officers of FAC-BWP and Farmers of Lodhran)
Farmer Meeting:
Farmer meeting is also the type of extensions activity which is performed in the field for
the training of farmer on the farm of well reputed person. Demo Van and all the officers from the
FAC office will participate in the farmer meeting. Farmer meeting is consisting of more 50
farmers. In farmer meeting, a movie or clips of modern agricultural technology will be shown to
the farmer on the LCD, demonstration of new technology via LCS is also played. Farmer
meeting is the best platform for learning of farmer at one place under the supervision of many
experts. Refreshment is also arranged on the farmer meeting for farmers. I have also attended
one farmer meeting with Mr. Jalil Jarwal, Mr. Aftam Nasim, and Mr. Hassan Raza at Musafir
Khaana in which more than 70 farmers have actively participated in the meeting.
Mr. Aftab Nasim delivers a detailed speech on the difference of CAN fertilizer and Urea
Fertilizer and on the NP and DAP. Mr. Hassan Raza tells about the nutrients value of urea and on
the pest attack of pink boll worm. At the concluding session Mr. Aftab Nasim tells the economic
value of fertilizers. This was a great learning experience in the farming community. I have also
attended another farmer meeting with Mr. Hassan Raza at chak 44-DNB in which more than 80
people participated, this farmer meeting is arranged by FAC and only Mr. Hassan Raza addresses
the farmer about recent problems in the cotton field and about the coming crop of cotton that
what practices should they need for the better productivity of cotton.

(A View of Farmer Meeting and Officer of FAC-Bahawalpur Addressing with Farmer)

Demonstration Plot:
Demonstration plot is the field activity which is performed by the farm advisory office at
a farmer field for showing the difference between a farmer field and a properly nourished officer
field. All the material for the crop sowing growth material i.e. seeds fertilizers and pesticides is
given by the FAC but the product is given to the farmer. In Demo plot officer gives the
recommendation to the farmer for working in FAC field. And at the end a field day is organized
by FFC-FAC for checking the crop yield of the field of different fields in the area and this
activity comes to an end. I also have visited the demonstration plots of sugarcane and cotton with
Mr. Aftab Nasim and Mr. Hassan Raza in Lodhran, Mubarakpur, Chunni Goth and Ahmad Pur
East.
Field Day:
Field day is held at the end season while for checking the comparison of a demo plot and
plots of farmers of that area. A complete session is held for telling the each and everything that
the officer used in his field. Unfortunately, I can’t attend the field day because my internship is
in the mid-season.
Farm Visits:
Farm visit by FFC officer is his routine activity for keep in contact with the farmers of his
working area and giving them updates about fertilizer application and use. Also for telling them
the recent diseases attacks in different crops. I have visited many farms but the two best farms
are of Mr. Hassan Askri Sheikh at Chunni Goth and other of Mrs. Azra Mehmood Sheikh at
Lodhran.
 Laboratory Analysis
Determination of pH:
pH:
It is the negative log of hydrogen ion activity.
Buffer solutions of 4.0, 7.0 and 9.2 pH:
These can be prepared by dissolving the pH tablets in 100ml boiled, cooled CO 2 free, distilled
water separately.
Standardization of pH meter:
Standardization of pH meter is different depending on the model. Usually standardization
procedure is provided along with meter. However general procedure is as follow.
 Note soil paste temperature and adjust on pH meter.
 Dip electrode in solution of pH 4.0, adjust meter by rotating knob.
 Then dip the electrode in the solution of pH 9.2, adjust the reading accordingly.
 Now dip the electrode in solution of pH 7.0, check whether reading is same or not.
 If pH 4.0 and 9.2 is correctly adjusted, pH meter is standardized and ready for pH
determination of saturated soil paste.

Apparatus:
pH meter Cylinder 25ml Beaker Plastic 250 ml
Standard Buffer Solution Stirrer Wash Bottler
Procedure:
Take 25gm soil in plastic beaker, add 25ml distill water, stir with glass rod and leave it for
overnight, so that maximum salts may be dissolved. After standardizing the pH meter, dip the
electrode in the samples and note the reading when it is standardized. Wash the electrode with
distilled water and dry it with tissue paper before dipping in new soil sample.
Precautions:
After use wash and immerse the electrode in distilled water or in saturated KCl solution.
Criteria used for soil pH:
pH Range Remarks
7.0-7.5 Normal, soil contains no alkaline earth carbonates
7.51-8.50 Alkaline, some quantity of HCO3 is present. ESP major may not exceed 15
More than 8.50 Alkaline, carbonate is dominant anion and ESP exceeds 15
Determination of EC:
Apparatus:
EC Meter Weighing Balance Cylinder 100 ml
Wash Bottle Conical Flask
Standardization:
To standardize the E.C meter we use 0.01N KCl solution. Its reading should be 1413 µScm -1 or
1.413 dSm-1 at 25oC.
Calculation of cell constant:
K = C/D
Where K= Cell Constant; C= Known EC of Solution; D= Observed EC of Solution
Procedure:
 Take 10 gm soil in conical flask and add 100ml distilled water.
 Shake it well and left it for overnight.
 Adjust the temperature at conductivity meter with the help of knob.
 Dip the cell into the sample and note the reading that is displayed on the EC meter screen.
 Reading will be in mmhos cm-1
 If the sample is very small either use micro cell or dilute the sample.
 Sometime salt concentration is too high to be measured, so make appropriate dilutions
and multiply the final reading with the dilution factor (d.f).
Dilution factor (d.f) = Vf/Vi
Vf = Total volume of diluted solution.
Vi = Volume of liquid taken for dilution
Criteria used for soil ECe:
ECe (dS/m) Remarks
<4.0 Normal
4.1-8.0 Medium Salinity: Yield of sensitive croos may be restricted
8.1-16.0 High salinity: Only a few salt tolerant crops can be grow
>16 Very high salinity: Only a few tolerant crops can grow
 Analysis of Water
Carbonate and Bicarbonate:
Carbonates CO3 -2 and Bicarbonates HCO3- in water can be determined by a titration a known
volume of a water against standard H2SO4 using phenolphthalein and methyl orange indicators,
respectively.
Principle:
Carbonates:
When the pH value of a sample of natural water is above 8.4, the CO 3-2 is present, normally as
sodium carbonate. The carbonate ion is converted to HCO 3-. The amount of acid used a measure
of the carbonate present.
CO3-2 +H= HCO3-
Bicarbonate:
Bicarbonate ion react with mineral acid and base release carbon dioxide (CO2) the solution.
HCO3-+H=H2O+ CO2
The pH value at complete neutralization being about 3.8, HCO 3- ions are present. Thus HCO3 -
may be measuring by titration with mineral acid to a PH, either potentiometrically or using an
indicator unaffected by CO2. Methyl orange is suitable and gives a good color change from green
through grey (end) to red, which avoids the need for a matching buffer solution.
Apparatus:
Pipettes Burette Graduated pipette
Erlenmeyer Flasks Magnetic stirrer
Reagents:
1. Methyl orange indicator{4-NaOSO2C6H4N:NC6H4/-4-N(CH3)2},(F.W.327.34),0.1%
Dissolve 0.1 g methyl orange indicator in 100-ml volume with DI water.
2. Sulfuric Acid Solution (H2SO4),0.01N
Add 28ml concentrated H2SO4 to about 600-800ml DI water in a 1L flask, mix well, let it cool,
and bring to 1L volume. This solution contains 1N H2SO4 solution.
Pipette 10 ml stock solution to 1L flask, and bring to volume with DI water. This solution
contains 0.01N H2SO4.
3. Phenolphthalein indicator, 1%
Dissolve 1g phenolphthalein indicator in 100 ml ethanol
Determination of Available Potassium from given soil sample:
Apparatus Required:
Mechanical Shaker Flame Photometer Beaker, 50 ml
Pipette, 10 ml Wash bottle Volumetric Flask
Reagents/Medias Required:
A). 1N NH4OAC:
Dissolve 77.1 g ammonium acetate (F.W. 77.1, CH3COONH4) in 800 ml distilled water and
make the volume to 1 litre. Adjust pH 7.0 using either NH 4OH or HCl.
B).Stock Solution:
Dissolve 1.907 g oven dried KCl in distilled water and make volume 1-2. This solution contains
1000ppm K.
Prepare standard solutions from stock solution in 100ml volumetric flask.
Method:
Weigh 2.5 g air dried, grind soil sample. Passed it through 2 mm sieve. Add 50 ml extracting
reagent, Shake on a flatbed reciprocating shaker for 30 minutes and filter the extract. Determine
K by flame photometer in ppm using graph readings.
Calculations Required:
Extractable K (ppm) = reading (ppm) × 20
Criteria used for K:
Range Remarks
<80 ppm poor
81-180 ppm Satisfactory
>180 ppm Adequate
Sodium in soil sample:
Principal:
Sodium can be found in soil sample by the ammonium acetate method.
Apparatus:
Flame photometer Weighing Balance Centrifugal Machine
Stirrer Conical Flask/ Beaker Shaker
Procedure:
 Take 2.5g soil from sample add in 25ml distilled water
  Shake it for 20 to 30 min
 Add the solution of ammonium acetate solution
 Put into test tube and centrifuge for 10 min in 2000rpm
 Dilute the sample per the EC
 If EC less than 1 than dilution will be 5/10
 If EC will be 1 to 3 than dilution factor will be 1/10
 If EC will be 3 to 6 than dilution factor will 1/20
 Find the reading with the Flame photometer
Na = reading × dilution factor/atomic mass of sodium = Na in m mol
To convert into total sodium
 If dilution factor will 5/10 than multiply factor will 0.087
 If dilution factor will be 1/10 than multiply factor will be 0.435
 If dilution will 1/20 than the factor will be 0.870
To convert into exchangeable Na
 pH will less than 8.5 than the factor will 0.15
 If pH will 8.5 to 9.0 than multiply with 0.20
Potassium in soil sample:
Principal:
Potassium can be found in soil sample by the ammonium acetate method.
Procedure:
 Take 2.5g soil from sample add in 25ml distilled water
 Shake it for 20 to 30 min
 Add the solution of ammonium acetate solution
 Put into test tube and centrifuge for 10 min in 2000rpm
 Dilute the sample per the EC
 If EC less than 1 than dilution will be 5/10
 If EC will be 1 to 3 than dilution factor will be 1/10
 If EC will be 3 to 6 than dilution factor will 1/20
Find the reading with the Flame photometer
K = reading × dilution factor/atomic mass of sodium = K in m mol
To convert into PPM
K= R×20= K in ppm
Determination of Organic Matter
(Chromic acid method)
Chemistry:
During analysis, soil organic matte (organic matter) is oxidized with excess chromic acid and
that portion of chromic acid not used in the oxidation is determined by titration against ferrous
sulphate.
Apparatus:
500 ml conical flask Pipette, 10 ml Burette, 50 ml
Cylinder, 50 ml Wash Bottle Weighing Balance
Reagents:
A. 1 N Potassium dichromate (K 2Cr2O7, f. wt. 294. 18):
Dissolve oven dried 49.04 g potassium dichromate in distilled water, mix well and dilute to 1
litre.
B. 1.0 N ferrous sulphate standardized:
Dissolve 278.02 g ferrous sulphate (FeSO4. 6H2O), f. wt. 278.02) in distilled water, add 15 ml
concentrated sulphuric acid and dilute to one litre.
C. Sulphuric acid:
Dissolve 32.5 N = 28.03 X 32.5 ml / litre of water
D. Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) 85% or sodium fluoride (NaF)
E. Barium diphenylamine sulphonate, 0.16%:
Dissolve 0.16 g barium diphenylamine sulphonate indicator in 100 ml conc. H 2SO4 and 20 ml
distilled water.
Procedure:
Weigh 1.0 g air dried, ground soil sample into 500 ml conical flask, add 5 ml K 2Cr2O7 and mix
well. Add 10 ml sulphuric acid and mix. Allow the flask to stand for 30 minutes to cool. Then
add 100-150 ml distilled water. Add 3 ml phosphoric acid or 0.5 g sodium fluoride, 5-10 drops of
indicator and finally titrate against standardized ferrous sulphate to sharp green end point
through blue color. Run a blank and subtract sample reading from blank to get the actual volume
of ferrous sulphate used to reduce potassium dichromate.
Calculations:
X 0.698

X 0.698

me of K2Cr2O7 reduced = (me of K2Cr2O7 added – me of FeSO4 used)

me of K2Cr2O7 added = (ml of K2Cr2O7 added X N)
me of FeSO4 used = (ml of FeSO4 used X N)

% O C = % organic matter / 1.724 O.M. % = % O C x 1.724

X X 100

How = 0.003
I me of C of OM in soil = 1 x Eq. wt. of C / 1000

So
I ml of N K2Cr2O7 when reduced = 0.003 g of C of OM in soil
100 / 74 = 1.3514, efficiency factor for determining O.C. of soil
100 / 58 = 1.724, for conversion of % OM of soil to % O.C. (if divided)
100 = for converting O.M. in percentage - **0.337
Walkley, s rapid method (1935, 1947)
For the determination of organic carbon in soils has been found to give app. 89 % recovery of
carbon as compared to dry combustion method. The conversion factor, 0.337 was obtained by
dividing 0.003, the milliequivalent weight of carbon by 89 and multiplying by 100 to convert to
percent.
Criteria used:
Range Remarks
< 0.86 % Poor
0.87 – 1.29 % Satisfactory
> 1.29 % Adequate

Phosphorus in soil sample:

Principal
Phosphorus can be found in soil sample by the Olsen method.
Apparatus

Spectrophotometer Weight balance Centrifugal Machine

Shaker Flask / Beaker Stirrer

Procedure:
 Take 20g soil from sample add in 50ml distilled water
 Shake it for 20 to 30 min
 Take 5ml of solution in test tube
 Add the 5ml solution of ammonium molybedate solution
 Left it enough that the bubbles will be finished
 And used the stirrer 3 to 5 min
 Add 0.5 ml of stanus chloride solution in 68ml of water
 Add 1ml of stanus chloride solution in the sample
 The color will be developed
 Find the reading with the spectrophotometer
R×105= reading of P in ppm
Fertilizer Analysis:
For inorganic fertilizer (DAP, Nitrophos,)
 Weigh 0.5gm nitrogen fertilizer after grinding.
 Transfer it to distillation tube.
 Put 250 ml conical flask for receiving nitrogen after distillation.
 Put the distillation tube in distillation apparatus, then run on the distillation apparatus.
Titration:
Titrate the receiver against 0.1N H2SO4 until golden color appears.
Calculation:
H2SO4 used for sample = X ml
H2SO4 used for blank = Y ml
Net acid used = X – Y ml = R ml
1ml of 0.1N H2SO4 contain N = 0.0014gm
R ml H2SO4 contain N = 0.0014 gm × R
0.5 gm fertilizer contain N = R × 0.0014gm
100gm fertilizer contain N = R × 0.0014gm × 100/0.5
= R× 0.282

For Example, DAP sample:

N/10 H2SO4 used in for sample = 64 ml
N/10 H2SO4 used in for blank = 0.65 ml
Net acid used = 64-0.65 = 63.35
N % = 63.35 X 0.282 = 17.86
Phosphatic Fertilizer Analysis:
(SSP, TSP, DAP, Nitrophos)
Apparatus:
Volumetric Flask Beaker 50 ml Bulb Type Pipette Graduated Pipette
Filter Paper Funnel with stand Electrical balance Wash Bottle
Reagents:
 Conc. HNO3
 Ammonium Molybedate
 Ammonium Nitrate
 Phenolphthalein Indicator
 Standardized 0.1 N NaOH and 0.1 N H2SO4
Procedure:
 Weigh accurately 0.5 gm fertilizer already grind and sieved through 100 mesh size
 Add 50ml water in conical flask and add 0.5 gm in it.
 Boil it for 3-4 minutes. Make volume to 100ml.
 Take 10ml sample in conical flask and 5 ml conc. HNO3.
 Now add 20 ml Ammonium Nitrate 50% solution.
  Warm it on 60o C and then add 50ml ammonium molybedate 3 % solution. First 25 ml
drop wise and second 25ml stream wise with continuous shaking.
 Keep it over night as yellow precipitates condense over night for P.
 Next day filter it and make it acid free by using ice cold distilled water methyl orange as
indicator.
 Now put acid free precipitates completely in 0.1 N NaOH, 10 ml each time till end
colorless.
 Add 3-4 drops of phenolphthalein indicator and then titrate against 0.1 N H 2SO4.
Calculations:
Volume of 0.1N NaOH used in sample = X ml
Volume of 0.1N H2SO4 used in back titration = Y ml
X -Y = R
1ml of 0.1N NaOH contain P2O5 = 0.000309
R ml of 0.1N NaOH contain P2O5 = 0.000309 × R

10 ml sample contain P2O5 = 0.000309 × R

100 ml sample contain P2O5 = 0.000309 × R × 100/10
= 0.00309 × R
0.5gm sample contain P2O5 = 0.00309 × R
100gm sample contain P2O5 = 0.00309 × R × 100/0.5
= 0.618 × R

___________ END___________

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