Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, the Managing Director (MD) of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), is retiring on July 31, 2025, after dedicating over 49 years to the organization. He reached the age of 80 this year. Awasthi's departure marks the end of a transformative era for IFFCO and the Indian agricultural sector.
A chemical engineer from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Awasthi joined IFFCO in November 1976. He ascended through various roles before becoming the Managing Director in 1993. His tenure as MD, spanning over three decades, is the longest in the fertilizer industry.
Under Awasthi's leadership, IFFCO has grown from a domestic fertilizer producer into a global agrochemical powerhouse. IFFCO is now the world's largest fertilizer cooperative based on its contribution to GDP. Its production capacity increased by 292%, and its net worth rose by 688% under Awasthi’s leadership. The organization's turnover also increased significantly. IFFCO is ranked as the world's number one cooperative by the World Cooperative Monitor (WCM).
Awasthi spearheaded IFFCO's diversification into various sectors, including insurance, crop protection, agri e-commerce, agro-forestry, and rural finance. Key initiatives during his tenure include:
Awasthi has also promoted the use of nanotechnology in agriculture. He supported the establishment of the Nano-Biotechnology Research Centre in Kalol and IFFCO Nanoventions Pvt. IFFCO has been a world leader in developing Nano Urea, Nano DAP, Nano Zinc, Nano Copper, and many other nano products. According to IFFCO, this indigenous technology helps reduce chemical fertilizer doses and increase yield with a lower carbon footprint.
Awasthi has held positions in various international organizations, including the International Fertiliser Association and the Fertiliser Association of India. He served as Chairman of the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) from 1994 to 1996 and as President of the International Fertiliser Industry Association (IFA) from 1997 to 1999. In 2024, he received the Rochdale Pioneers Award, ICA's highest honor and was named the “Fertiliser Man of India” by Sahakar Bharati.
In his farewell message, Awasthi expressed his gratitude to the entire IFFCO family, including subsidiaries, joint ventures, affiliates, and institutions such as the Fertilizer Association of India, the International Fertiliser Industry Association, and the International Cooperative Alliance. He also thanked past and present board members, RGB members, cooperative members, employees, joint venture partners, technology suppliers, contractors, suppliers, and the farmers of India.
IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani acknowledged Awasthi's dedication to IFFCO and its expanding group companies. Sanghani expressed hope that Awasthi would now have the opportunity to spend time with his family and requested his continued guidance for the new management.
K. J. Patel has been appointed as the new MD of IFFCO. Patel was Director-Technical at IFFCO and has more than 32 years of experience in the maintenance of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizer plants.
