Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, Managing Director of IFFCO, will retire on July 31, 2025, after an extraordinary 40-year journey that transformed IFFCO into the world’s No.1 fertilizer cooperative. A chemical engineer from BHU, Dr. Awasthi joined IFFCO in 1976 and became MD in 1993. His deep commitment to India’s farmers and cooperatives powered IFFCO’s rapid expansion and diversification under his visionary leadership.
He played a pivotal role in internationalizing IFFCO with strategic joint ventures like OMIFCO (Oman), JIFCO (Jordan), and KIT (UAE), while also launching successful domestic initiatives such as IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance and IFFCO Bazar. He spearheaded innovation in Agri-tech and finance through IFFCO Kisan companies and led the nanotechnology revolution in Indian agriculture with products like Nano Urea and Nano DAP, setting up plants across India.
Recognized globally, Dr. Awasthi’s accolades include the prestigious Rochdale Pioneers Award and the title “Fertiliser Man of India.” As he steps into retirement, IFFCO pays tribute to a leader who redefined cooperative success in India. Chairman Dileep Sanghani praised his tireless devotion and welcomed his future guidance as a mentor to the next generation.
