Our Members

Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, born on July 12, 1945, is the Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), India’s largest fertilizer producer. A Chemical Engineering graduate from IIT BHU (1967), he began his career at Shriram Chemical Industries and later held key roles at Zuari Agro-Chemicals, PPCL, RCF, IFFCO, and KRIBHCO. Since becoming IFFCO's MD in 1993, he has transformed the organization, increasing its turnover from Rs. 1,405 crores in 1992-93 to Rs. 39,330 crores in 2023-24, with profit surging from Rs. 116 crores to Rs. 2,443 crores.

Dr. Awasthi has served as Chairman of the Fertiliser Association of India and President of the International Fertiliser Industry Association, representing the sector at global forums, including the United Nations. His leadership has driven IFFCO’s diversification and expansion in India and abroad, fostering innovations like bio-fertilizers and nano-fertilizers. He also established the IFFCO Kisan Sewa Trust and various rural development initiatives.

Recognizing his contributions, IFFCO instituted the ‘U S Awasthi IFFCO Awards’ for lifetime achievements in the fertilizer industry and agricultural research. Two books—The Joys of Crisis (English) and Sangharsh ka Sukh (Hindi)—chronicle his journey. In 2024, he received the prestigious Rochdale Pioneers Award, ICA’s highest honor, and was named the “Fertiliser Man of India” by Sahakar Bharati. He was also listed among the 50 most influential personalities by Fame India, celebrating his remarkable impact on agriculture and cooperatives.