Ivan D’Souza warns of protest over removal of MCF name from factory

Ivan D’Souza warns of protest over removal of MCF name from factory

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 19, 2026: The name of the MCF factory has disappeared since last October. Under no circumstances should the historic name “MCF” be changed, and it must be immediately reinstated on the nameboard. If there is no response, the intervention of the Deputy Commissioner will be sought. If necessary, the in-charge minister will be brought to the spot, and I myself will go to the factory and, if possible, remove the altered nameboard. Do not force us into such a situation, warned Legislative Council Member Ivan D’Souza.

Speaking at a press conference in the city organised by the “Save MCF Name Struggle Committee,” demanding the immediate restoration of the name Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers (MCF) on the nameboard, D’Souza said, “I have fought for the survival of MCF. When there was an ammonia shortage, I raised the issue in the House and ensured that raw materials were not cut. Our own people have lost their lives in accidents here. Changing the name of an institution with which we share such an emotional bond is wrong. If our sentiments are hurt, we will not let this go easily. A protest will be inevitable.”

He pointed out that despite drinking water shortages, the Mangaluru City Corporation continues to supply water to the factory even today. Referring to the renaming of Mangaluru International Airport under the pretext of a contract, he criticised the move, saying, “The roads and land are ours; they are the ones who made profits. Such name changes cannot be accepted.”

“‘Urea’ is still a brand name among farmers. During the COVID period, it was the people of Mangaluru who supported them by providing water. The land and roads are ours; the profits went to them. Even today, when you say ‘Mangala Urea,’ it is a brand name for farmers. Zuari company in Goa produced urea under its own name—did anyone accept it? Didn’t they shut down? Mangala is our product, our farmers’ factory. We will not accept a new name every day,” he asserted.

MCF was established as a joint venture in 1971 and has a history of 55 years. Despite being under government ownership for 15 years and private ownership for 35 years, the name “MCF” had never been changed until now. Built on the sacrifice of local land, water, and environment, the institution is an integral part of Mangaluru’s identity and a symbol of pride for providing employment to the youth, he said.

MCF began ammonia and urea production in 1976. Although it faced several challenges and was declared a sick industrial unit in 1996, it was revived with bank support and grew into a profitable enterprise. After coming under the Birla Group in 2015, it was merged with Adventz group’s Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals in October last year, following which the MCF name was allegedly erased, he claimed.

In this backdrop, more than 500 former employees have come forward to fight to save the MCF name without any expectation of personal benefit. The MCF name must be restored immediately, failing which the agitation will be intensified, Ivan D’Souza warned.

Members of the Save MCF Name Struggle Committee, including Maxim Allied, Muhammad Ali, Shahul Hameed, Suresh B.K., Gopinath, Isaac Vaz, and others, were present.