Vows to carry forward historic legacy of Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi

Prayagraj:  IFFCO, the world’s leading fertilizer cooperative, witnessed a leadership change today. K.J. Patel assumed charge as the new Managing Director (MD) of IFFCO. He succeeds the legendary cooperative leader Dr. U.S. Awasthi, who led the organization to new heights over more than three decades. K.J. Patel, a Mechanical Engineer from Saurashtra University, Gujarat, has served as the Technical Director of IFFCO. Prior to this, he was the Unit Head of IFFCO’s Paradeep Unit, where under his leadership; unprecedented improvements were recorded in production, technological innovation and safety standards.

While taking charge, Patel said, “Dr. U.S. Awasthi has been a great visionary leader who made IFFCO a symbol of farmer service and innovation. His vision and roadmap are a strong foundation for the years to come. I pledge to give further impetus to this vision and work in the interest of farmers with a cooperative spirit.”

Earlier, in his farewell address, Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi said that I am happy that I am handing over the reins of IFFCO to a capable colleague of my IFFCO family, who has been appointed as Managing Director by the IFFCO Board and Chairman.

Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, Managing Director of the world’s top organization in the cooperative sector, retired. After studying chemical engineering from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Dr. Awasthi joined IFFCO in November 1976 and held various important roles before taking over as Managing Director in 1993, he held the post of Managing Director for about 32 years from 1993 to 2025. Dr. Awasthi has made an invaluable contribution in making IFFCO the world’s top organization in the cooperative sector. Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi Awasthi, who headed IFFCO for almost four decades, not only gave the organization global recognition, but also empowered the farmers and the cooperative movement. For his unique contributions, he was awarded the “Rossdale Pioneer Award” by ICA and the title of “Fertilizer Man of India” by Sahakar Bharati.

During Dr. Awasthi’s tenure, IFFCO launched revolutionary initiatives like Nano Urea, made its footprints internationally and strengthened digital and sustainable agriculture. Under his leadership, IFFCO became another name for the trust of farmers. IFFCO, under the leadership of K.J. Patel, is marching towards a new era by pursuing farmer-centric approach, technological innovation, and cooperative values.