On Friday, Dr. U.S. Awasthi, Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), met with Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, to discuss the evolving role of cooperatives in India’s economy and rural prosperity. Dr. Awasthi provided a comprehensive update on IFFCO’s performance for the Financial Year 2024-25, highlighting the organization’s achievements in line with the government’s vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
The meeting focused on several key initiatives, including the Seed Research and Development Facility at IFFCO’s Kalol Unit in Gujarat, which aims to advance seed technology and provide high-quality, certified seeds to farmers. Shah has long championed the cause of seed certification, recognizing its potential to enhance crop yields and farmers’ incomes. IFFCO’s research facility is contributing to this mission by developing reliable, high-yielding seed varieties.
The discussion also covered the collaborative efforts behind Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), a cooperative venture focused on seed development that has already seen participation from over 20,000 cooperative societies across 34 states and union territories. BBSSL is working with government universities, agricultural scientists, and research laboratories to promote innovation in seed production, with IFFCO and KRIBHCO as key contributors.
Another important topic discussed was the role of cooperatives in expanding insurance coverage in rural India. Dr. Awasthi emphasized that India’s strong cooperative framework can be leveraged to raise awareness and increase penetration of insurance schemes in villages and small towns, safeguarding livelihoods and promoting economic stability. IFFCO’s insurance arm, IFFCO-Tokio, has launched several farmer-friendly insurance schemes tailored to meet the needs of those often excluded by conventional insurance providers.
The meeting underscores the government’s commitment to empowering cooperatives as engines of rural growth and innovation. Dr. Awasthi expressed his gratitude to Minister Shah for the meeting, stating that it was “warm and insightful.” The engagement highlights the government’s vision of using cooperatives to drive prosperity and development in rural India, and IFFCO’s role as a key player in this effort. Overall, the meeting demonstrated the government’s deepening commitment to supporting cooperatives and promoting rural prosperity through innovative initiatives and collaborative efforts.