IFFCO MD Dr Udai Shanker Awasthi retires after four decade of decisive leadership role
NEW DELHI: Dr Udai Shanker Awasthi will retire as managing director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) on July 31, 2025, after reaching the age of 80. His retirement marks the end of a tenure spanning over four decades.Dr Awasthi, a chemical engineer from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), joined IFFCO in November 1976 and became managing director in 1993. During his time at IFFCO, he played a key role in expanding the cooperative’s operations in India and abroad.He led IFFCO’s international ventures, including partnerships in ICS Senegal, Oman, Jordan, and the UAE through Oman IFFCO Company (OMIFCO), Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO), and Kisan International Trading (KIT). Under his leadership, IFFCO entered sectors such as insurance through IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company, and crop protection through IFFCO-Mitsubishi Chemicals.IFFCO also launched initiatives like IFFCO Bazar for e-commerce, IFFDC in forestry and seed production, IFFCO Kisan Logistics Ltd. for transport, and IFFCO Kisan Suvidha and IFFCO Kisan Finance in Agri-tech and rural finance.Dr Awasthi promoted the use of nanotechnology in agriculture. He supported the establishment of the Nano-Biotechnology Research Centre in Kalol and IFFCO Nanoventions Pvt. Ltd. to develop products like Nano Urea Plus, Nano DAP, Nano Zinc, and Nano Copper. Nano Fertilizer Plants were set up in existing units in Kalol, Kandla, Aonla, Phulpur, and Paradeep, and new units were developed in Bengaluru, Deoghar, and Assam.He has received several awards, including the Rochdale Pioneers Award from the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), and was called the “Fertiliser Man of India” by Shakar Bharati and Shri Dattatreya Hosbole. He also held positions in the International Fertiliser Association and the Fertiliser Association of India.In his farewell message, Dr Awasthi said, “I sincerely thank the entire IFFCO family, encompassing our subsidiaries, joint ventures, and affiliates, as well as esteemed institutions such as the Fertilizer Association of India, the International Fertiliser Industry Association, and the International Cooperative Alliance, for being integral to my journey. Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation to all past and present Board members, RGB members, cooperative members, serving and retired employees of IFFCO along with their families, joint venture partners, technology suppliers, contractors, suppliers, and the farmers of India—indeed, all who have shaped this path, even if I cannot name each one here.”IFFCO Chairman Shri Dileep Sanghani said, “Awasthi ji has been profoundly immersed in the affairs of IFFCO and its expanding group companies, often at the expense of personal time with his family. We are delighted that he will now have the opportunity to cherish moments with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. Nonetheless, we earnestly request his continued guidance for the new management, welcoming his invaluable advice at any time.”IFFCO is ranked the world’s No. 1 cooperative by the World Cooperative Monitor (WCM) with respect to its contribution to GDP, according to the report published by EURICSE and the International Cooperative Alliance.
