Marking the end of an era, Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, the long-serving Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), will rest his illustrious tenure on July 31, 2025, after attaining the age of 80 years. This superannuation marks over four decades of dedication, during which Dr. Awasthi has profoundly shaped IFFCO's trajectory, elevating it to unparalleled global prominence.
Dr. Awasthi, a chemical engineer from Banaras Hindu University, joined IFFCO in 1976 and became its Managing Director in 1993. Under his dynamic leadership, IFFCO evolved into a professionally managed, globally recognized cooperative conglomerate. IFFCO not only achieved rapid advancements in the global fertilizer sector but also diversified into multifaceted ventures that have directly empowered farmers across India.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Awasthi spearheaded major global investments, including in ICS Senegal, OMIFCO (Oman), JIFCO (Jordan), and Kisan International Trading (UAE). His vision led to diversification into sectors such as insurance through IFFCO Tokio, crop protection via IFFCO-Mitsubishi Chemicals, and agri-tech and rural finance through entities like IFFCO Kisan Suvidha, IFFCO Bazar, and IFFCO Kisan Finance.
Dr. Awasthi is a pioneer of nanotechnology in the agriculture sector. He facilitated the establishment of the Nano-Biotechnology Research Centre in Kalol and IFFCO Nanoventions Pvt. Ltd. to drive innovation in nano-technology. These efforts led to the development of IFFCO Nano Urea Plus, Nano DAP, Nano Zinc, and Nano Copper. Under his tenure, nano fertilizer plants were set up at all existing units—Kalol and Kandla (Gujarat), Aonla and Phulpur (Uttar Pradesh), and Paradeep (Odisha)—while new plants were established in Bengaluru, Deoghar, and another is underway in Assam.
His remarkable contributions have been widely recognized. He is the recipient of the prestigious Rochdale Pioneers Award from the International Cooperative Alliance and was named “Fertiliser Man of India” by Shakar Bharati. He also held prominent positions in the International Fertiliser Association and the Fertiliser Association of India.
In a farewell message, Dr. Awasthi expressed heartfelt gratitude to IFFCO’s members, employees, and partners. "My heart beats for the farmers and cooperatives who always inspired me to dedicate myself to them. I sincerely thank the 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 at IFFCO...This marks my journey over four decades of unwavering dedication, during which I served the farmers and cooperators of the country," he said.
Dileep Sanghani, Chairman IFFCO echoed the organization's collective admiration for Dr. Awasthi's selfless commitment: "Awasthi 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."
As Dr. Awasthi steps into a superannuation, IFFCO honours his legacy of innovation, integrity, and service. "His departure is not an end, but a transition, ensuring his wisdom endures in the fabric of IFFCO's future endeavours," IFFCO said in a press release.
