Doha/Vadodara: In a historic moment for India’s cooperative movement, two homegrown farmer-led cooperatives — Amul and IFFCO — have clinched the top two global positions in the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) World Cooperative Monitor 2025, marking a defining chapter in the country’s economic and social transformation under the spirit of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi.”
India’s Cooperatives Shine on Global Stage
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul) has emerged as the No. 1 cooperative in the world, while the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has secured the No. 2 position, globally.
The rankings were announced during the ICA CM50 Conference held in Doha, Qatar, based on GDP per capita performance and social impact.
Headquartered in Brussels, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) represents cooperatives worldwide and promotes their sustainable business model in partnership with the European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises (EURICSE).
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IFFCO: Powering India’s Farmers Since 1967
Founded in 1967, IFFCO is one of the world’s largest cooperative fertiliser producers, operating through a vast network of 35,000 member cooperatives and reaching over 50 million Indian farmers.
It has a global presence in five countries, including India, and is the largest manufacturer and marketer of chemical fertilisers in the nation.
Over the decades, IFFCO has played a pivotal role in empowering rural communities, ensuring agricultural sustainability, and contributing significantly to India’s food security.
Through its innovative business model, the cooperative has combined modern technology with farmer ownership, reflecting the success of India’s grassroots economic philosophy.
PM Modi Congratulates Amul & IFFCO
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded both organisations on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Congratulations to Amul and IFFCO. India’s cooperative sector is vibrant and transforming several lives. Our government is taking numerous steps to further encourage this sector in the times to come.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted how the achievement aligns with his government’s mission of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” — cooperation leading to prosperity.
Congratulations to Amul and IFFCO. India’s cooperative sector is vibrant and is also transforming several lives. Our Government is taking numerous steps to further encourage this sector in the times to come. https://t.co/pocw6n1Q11
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2025
A Proud Moment for the Cooperative Sector
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah described the achievement as “a proud moment for Bharat,” emphasising that the recognition honours the tireless dedication of millions of women associated with Amul and the farmers contributing to IFFCO’s success.
“This milestone is a testament to the boundless potential of India’s cooperative model, which is now becoming a global symbol of empowerment and self-reliance under the leadership of PM Modi,” Shah said.
Global Recognition for Cooperative Excellence
The World Cooperative Monitor annually evaluates the economic and social performance of the world’s largest cooperatives across multiple sectors.
This year’s recognition comes at a symbolic time — just as the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 concluded in Doha with a resolution to celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives once every decade.
At the same summit, global leaders adopted a political declaration reaffirming that cooperatives are key drivers of poverty eradication, employment generation, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
Amul: The World’s Strongest Food and Dairy Brand
While IFFCO’s recognition highlights India’s agricultural backbone, Amul’s top rank cements its reputation as the world’s strongest food and dairy brand, owned by 3.6 million farmers.
GCMMF Managing Director Jayen Mehta noted that Amul’s success reflects a “people-first model where trust, not milk, is our true currency.”
“This recognition reaffirms the strength of India’s cooperative movement and our founders’ vision to create prosperity through collective enterprise,” Mehta said.
A Defining Moment for India’s Cooperative Vision
The double win for Amul and IFFCO underscores India’s resurgence as a cooperative powerhouse and validates the government’s efforts to strengthen this sector through policy support, modernization, and farmer empowerment.
Together, these two cooperatives have showcased how collective ownership and inclusive growth can coexist with global competitiveness.
