ICA Rochdale Pioneers Award winner Udai Shanker Awasthi retires as IFFCO CEO
An engineer by training, Awasthi has been with IFFCO since 1976 and has been leading the cooperative since 1992, which made him the longest serving CEO of a fertiliser company
NEW DELHI, August 26, 2025 — Dr Udai Shanker Awasthi, the 2024 ICA Rochdale Pioneers Award, recently retired from his duties as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative [IFFCO], after 58 years in the fertiliser industry.
An engineer by training, Awasthi has been with IFFCO since 1976 and has been leading the cooperative since 1992, which made him the longest serving CEO of a fertiliser company.
“It has been an honour to serve as IFFCO CEO for over 32 and a half years,” he said. “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and cooperation I have received throughout my professional journey,” he added.
The winner of the 2024 Rochdale Pioneers Award, Dr Awasthi spent his time at IFFCO focusing on improving operational efficiency and diversifying the business. IFFCO is now the largest fertiliser producer and marketer in India, and the biggest cooperative in the world by turnover on GDP per capita.
Despite stepping down at the age of 80, Dr Awasthi says he intends to stay involved in the sector.
“Though I am stepping down from formal responsibilities, I remain committed to serving the farmers, cooperators and the nation, especially in the field of environment protection,” he said.
IFFCO Chairman Shri Dileep Sanghani thanked Dr Awasthi for “his invaluable contribution and dedication towards IFFCO and farmers across the country.”
Shri KJ Patel, who was Technical Director at the cooperative, was appointed Managing Director and CEO. “IFFCO welcomes Shri KJ Patel as its new Managing Director”, announced IFFCO Chairman Shri Dileep Sanghani. “With over 32 years of expertise in the fertiliser sector, Shri Patel will drive IFFCO towards innovation, operational excellence, and enhanced value creation for farmers and cooperatives.”
https://thecooperator.news/iffco-boss-scoops-prestigious-2024-rochdale-pioneers-award/
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