Celebrating 60 Glorious Years of Cooperative Strength; A Lasting Tribute to IFFCO’s Founder and First Chairman; Maharajkumar Sahib UdaybhansinhjiNatwarsinhji Jethwa

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Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Marking a historic milestone in India’s cooperative movement, the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) proudly commences its Diamond Jubilee Year (2026–27) on 3 November 2026, celebrating 60 glorious years of an extraordinary journey dedicated to cooperative excellence, agricultural transformation, technological innovation and the prosperity of millions of farmers. Founded on 3 November 1967 with just 57 cooperative member societies, IFFCO has evolved from a visionary cooperative initiative into one of India’s leading cooperative organisations and a globally recognised pioneer in the fertilizer industry. Over the past six decades, IFFCO has consistently demonstrated the strength of collective cooperation, visionary leadership and technological advancement, contributing significantly to India’s agricultural growth and food security.

 

As IFFCO enters its Diamond Jubilee Year, the occasion represents not only a celebration of its remarkable achievements but also a tribute to the visionary leaders, cooperative institutions, dedicated employees and millions of farmers who have been integral to its extraordinary journey.

 

A Lasting Tribute to IFFCO’s Founder and First Chairman

 

As IFFCO embarks on its historic Diamond Jubilee Year, commemorating 60 glorious years of cooperative excellence, the organisation will pay a special tribute to its visionary founder and first Chairman, Maharajkumar Sahib UdaybhansinhjiNatwarsinhji Jethwa (5 October 1910 – 1977).

As a mark of deep respect, gratitude and remembrance, statues (Pratimas) of Maharajkumar Sahib UdaybhansinhjiNatwarsinhjiJethwa shall be established at all IFFCO manufacturing units and at the IFFCO Head Office in New Delhi on the occasion of the commencement of the Diamond Jubilee Year.

This commemorative initiative will honour the invaluable contribution of the visionary leader whose foresight and commitment laid the foundation of IFFCO in 1967. The installation of his statues across IFFCO’s establishments will serve as an enduring symbol of his legacy and inspire generations to uphold the ideals of cooperation, collective progress and unwavering service to the farming community.

 

A Remarkable Journey of Growth and Expansion

 

IFFCO’s journey of industrial excellence began in 1975, with the establishment of its first fertilizer manufacturing facility at IFFCO Kalol Unit, near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This was followed by the establishment of the Kandla Unit in 1976, laying the foundation for IFFCO’s significant contribution to India’s domestic fertilizer production.

The organisation continued its expansion with the establishment of the Phulpur Unit in 1981 and the Aonla Unit in 1988, further strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and geographical presence. In another landmark achievement in 2005, IFFCO became the first cooperative organisation in India to acquire a private-sector enterprise, reflecting its progressive outlook, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement.

 

IFFCO Kalol Unit: Five Decades of Industrial Excellence

 

IFFCO Kalol Unit has played a pivotal role in the organisation’s growth and India’s fertilizer manufacturing landscape. In 1998, the unit underwent a major expansion, enhancing its production capacity to approximately 1,100 metric tonnes per day of Ammonia and 1,650 metric tonnes per day of Urea. Demonstrating its commitment to energy conservation, operational efficiency and sustainable industrial practices, the Kalol Unit successfully implemented an Energy Saving Project during 2011–12, achieving significant improvements in energy utilisation and plant performance.  Continuing its glorious journey, IFFCO Kalol Unit completed 50 years of its establishment in 2025, commemorating five decades of dedicated service to the farming community, industrial excellence and contribution to the nation’s fertilizer sector.

 

Pioneering the Nano Fertilizer Revolution

 

With a vision to transform Indian agriculture through innovation and advanced technology, IFFCO embarked on a pioneering journey in nanotechnology, opening a new chapter in the history of the global fertilizer industry. In 2019, IFFCO indigenously developed Nano Fertilizers and initiated field trials under the guidance of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), marking a significant breakthrough in the development of innovative, efficient and sustainable fertilizer solutions. In 2021, IFFCO’s revolutionary Nano Urea was officially launched for nationwide distribution and dispatch to farmers, introducing a transformative approach to fertilizer application and nutrient management in Indian agriculture.

 

A historic milestone was achieved in May 2022, when the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India dedicated the first Nano Urea manufacturing plant, established at IFFCO Kalol Unit, to the nation. This landmark occasion placed IFFCO at the forefront of the Nano Fertilizer revolution and reinforced India’s commitment to technological innovation, self-reliance and sustainable agriculture.

Further advancing this revolutionary initiative, in 2023, India’s first Nano DAP manufacturing plant was dedicated to the nation by the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah Ji, at IFFCO Kalol. This achievement further strengthened IFFCO’s commitment to making advanced and innovative fertilizer technologies accessible to farmers across the country.

 

 Six Decades of Trust, Cooperation and Farmers’ Prosperity

 

From its humble beginnings with 57 cooperative member societies in 1967 to emerging as a leading force in fertilizer manufacturing, research, innovation and nanotechnology, IFFCO’s journey is a remarkable testament to the strength of the cooperative movement. Throughout its existence, IFFCO has remained a true friend of farmers, working relentlessly towards their welfare, prosperity and empowerment. Guided by its founding philosophy of “By the Farmers, Of the Farmers and For the Farmers,” the organisation has continuously strived to provide quality fertilizers, innovative agricultural solutions and sustainable technologies to strengthen the farming community.

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