Prayagraj,

31 July (HS): 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.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi