Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, the Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), will retire on July 31, 2025, after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. During his tenure, Dr. Awasthi has played a pivotal role in transforming IFFCO into a world-renowned cooperative conglomerate, elevating it to unparalleled global prominence. As a chemical engineer from Banaras Hindu University, Dr. Awasthi joined IFFCO in 1976 and rose through the ranks to become Managing Director in 1993.
Under his leadership, IFFCO has achieved significant milestones, including diversification into various ventures that have empowered farmers across India. Dr. Awasthi’s visionary approach has led to strategic investments in countries such as Senegal, Oman, Jordan, and the UAE, as well as the establishment of joint ventures like IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company and IFFCO-Mitsubishi Corporation. He has also pioneered the use of nanotechnology in agriculture, leading to the development of innovative products like Nano Urea Plus and Nano DAP.
Dr. Awasthi’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the global Rochdale Pioneers Award and the title of “Fertiliser Man of India.” He has also held leadership positions in the International Fertiliser Association and the Fertiliser Association of India. As he prepares to retire, Dr. Awasthi expressed his gratitude to the entire IFFCO family, including subsidiaries, joint ventures, and affiliates, as well as esteemed institutions and individuals who have supported him throughout his journey.
The Chairman of IFFCO, Dileep Sanghani, praised Dr. Awasthi’s selfless commitment to the organization, stating that he has been “profoundly immersed in the affairs of IFFCO” and has made significant sacrifices for the benefit of the organization. As Dr. Awasthi steps into retirement, IFFCO honors his legacy of innovation, integrity, and service, which will continue to guide the organization’s future endeavors. IFFCO is currently ranked as the world’s number one cooperative in terms of its contribution to GDP, according to the World Cooperative Monitor Report.
Dr. Awasthi’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on the cooperative and fertilizer domains will be felt for generations to come. His dedication to the welfare of farmers and cooperatives has inspired countless individuals, and his pioneering work in nanotechnology has opened up new avenues for innovation in agriculture. As IFFCO looks to the future, it is clear that Dr. Awasthi’s legacy will continue to shape the organization’s trajectory and inspire new leaders to follow in his footsteps.