Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, the Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), will retire on July 31, 2025, after a tenure spanning over four decades. Awasthi, a chemical engineer from Banaras Hindu University, joined IFFCO in 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, leading international ventures and partnerships in countries such as Senegal, Oman, Jordan, and the UAE.
Under his leadership, IFFCO diversified into new sectors, including insurance, crop protection, e-commerce, and agri-tech. Awasthi also promoted the use of nanotechnology in agriculture, establishing the Nano-Biotechnology Research Centre and developing products such as Nano Urea Plus and Nano DAP. He has received several awards for his contributions to the fertiliser industry, including the Rochdale Pioneers Award from the International Cooperative Alliance.
In his farewell message, Awasthi thanked the entire IFFCO family, including employees, joint venture partners, and farmers, for their support during his tenure. IFFCO Chairman Shri Dileep Sanghani praised Awasthi’s dedication to the organization, saying that he had often put the needs of IFFCO ahead of his personal life. Sanghani welcomed Awasthi’s continued guidance for the new management and wished him well in his retirement.
Awasthi’s retirement marks the end of an era at IFFCO, which is ranked the world’s number one cooperative by the World Cooperative Monitor. IFFCO has made significant contributions to India’s agricultural sector, and Awasthi’s leadership has been instrumental in the organization’s growth and success. As he begins his retirement, Awasthi will have the opportunity to spend more time with his family, including his grandchildren, and to reflect on his many achievements during his time at IFFCO.
Throughout his career, Awasthi has been recognized for his innovative approach to agriculture and his commitment to the cooperative movement. His legacy will continue to shape the direction of IFFCO and the fertiliser industry as a whole. As the organization looks to the future, it is likely that Awasthi’s contributions will be remembered and built upon, ensuring that IFFCO remains a leader in the agricultural sector for years to come.