India’s largest agrochemicals company, Rallis India Limited, has announced its audited accounts for the first half ended September 30, 2001. On sales of Rs 516.68 crore as compared to Rs 575.11 crore for the corresponding period last year, the profit before tax (PBT) is Rs 19.52 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 20.96 crore for the corresponding period last year. The PBT includes an exceptional income arising out of the sale of the pharmaceutical business. More importantly, the profits from operations are positive at Rs 1.38 crore against a loss of Rs 8.54 crore for the corresponding period last year.

Rallis India Limited's CEO Rajeev Dubey said, “Rallis has embarked on its turnaround journey. To meet the challenges of the market place we have, over the last one year, commenced on a comprehensive restructuring and re-engineering drive with the objective of enhancing market share, margins, productivity and consolidating our presence in core areas. We see new horizons for growth as a result of the change initiatives that we are driving.”

The company has initiated a programme to focus on :

• Sharpening its business and product portfolios

• Improving cash management

• Introducing new products

• Reducing costs throughout the value chain

• Strengthening controls and business processes, from procurement through manufacturing, logistics, marketing, sales and distribution

• Greater focus on R&D

• Human resource/people orientation

These strategic actions have helped the company improve its operating margins.

Rallis India Limited has been the undisputed leader in the Indian agrochemicals market for more than a decade. The company is a part of the US $ 8.4 billion Tata Group, India’s oldest and most respected business house.