Ahmedabad: The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has commenced its Diamond Jubilee Year (2026–27) on November 3, 2026, marking 60 years of its contribution to India’s cooperative movement, agricultural development, fertilizer manufacturing and farmers’ prosperity.
Established on November 3, 1967, with just 57 cooperative member societies, IFFCO has grown into one of India’s leading cooperative organisations and a globally recognised name in the fertilizer industry. Over the past six decades, the organisation has played an important role in strengthening India’s agricultural sector through cooperative development, technological innovation and the promotion of sustainable farming practices.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations recognise the contributions of visionary leaders, cooperative institutions, employees and millions of farmers who have been part of IFFCO’s journey.
IFFCO to Honour Founder and First Chairman During Diamond Jubilee Year
As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, IFFCO will pay a special tribute to its founder and first Chairman, Maharajkumar Sahib Udaybhansinhji Natwarsinhji Jethwa (5 October 1910–1977).
As a mark of respect and gratitude, statues (Pratimas) of Maharajkumar Sahib Udaybhansinhji Natwarsinhji Jethwa will be established at all IFFCO manufacturing units and the organisation’s Head Office in New Delhi.
The initiative will recognise his visionary leadership and invaluable contribution to establishing IFFCO in 1967. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to uphold the principles of cooperation, collective progress and service to the farming community.
Read also: IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani Elected to ICA Global Board for 2026–2030 Term
IFFCO’s Journey of Growth and Fertilizer Manufacturing Expansion
IFFCO’s industrial journey began in 1975 with the establishment of its first fertilizer manufacturing facility at the Kalol Unit near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The organisation subsequently expanded its manufacturing operations with the establishment of the Kandla Unit in 1976.
Further expansion followed with the commissioning of the Phulpur Unit in 1981 and the Aonla Unit in 1988, strengthening IFFCO’s fertilizer production capacity and geographical presence.
Another significant milestone came in 2005, when IFFCO became the first cooperative organisation in India to acquire a private-sector enterprise. The achievement reflected its expanding business vision and commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement.
IFFCO Kalol Unit Completes 50 Years of Operations
IFFCO’s Kalol Unit has played a significant role in the organisation’s manufacturing journey and India’s fertilizer industry.
In 1998, the unit underwent a major expansion, increasing its production capacity to approximately 1,100 metric tonnes per day of ammonia and 1,650 metric tonnes per day of urea.
The unit also implemented an Energy Saving Project during 2011–12 to improve energy utilisation, operational efficiency and plant performance.
In 2025, the Kalol Unit completed 50 years of operations, marking five decades of contribution to fertilizer manufacturing and service to the farming community.
IFFCO Leads India’s Nano Fertilizer Revolution
Technological innovation has remained a key focus of IFFCO’s growth strategy. The organisation has made significant contributions to the development of Nano Fertilizers, introducing innovative approaches to nutrient management and sustainable agriculture.
In 2019, IFFCO indigenously developed Nano Fertilizers and initiated field trials under the guidance of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
In 2021, Nano Urea was officially launched for nationwide distribution and dispatch to farmers, marking an important development in India’s fertilizer sector.
A major milestone was achieved in May 2022, when the first Nano Urea manufacturing plant at IFFCO’s Kalol Unit was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister of India. The development strengthened India’s efforts towards technological innovation and self-reliance in fertilizer production.
Further advancing its Nano Fertilizer initiative, India’s first Nano DAP manufacturing plant was dedicated to the nation by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at IFFCO Kalol in 2023.
These developments have positioned IFFCO at the forefront of Nano Fertilizer technology and reinforced its commitment to providing innovative agricultural solutions to farmers.
IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani Highlights Six Decades of Cooperative Strength
On the commencement of the Diamond Jubilee Year, IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani said the occasion marks a defining moment in the organisation’s journey of service to farmers and the cooperative movement.
He highlighted that IFFCO has emerged as a symbol of cooperative strength, demonstrating how collective action can transform the lives of millions of farmers and rural families.
Sanghani also emphasised the organisation’s commitment to strengthening grassroots cooperative institutions, empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable agricultural growth.
He said IFFCO is supporting initiatives aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant and prosperous India. These initiatives include women entrepreneurship, capacity building, rural livelihoods, Nano Fertilizer awareness, Drone Didi programmes and cooperative strengthening.
He further highlighted IFFCO’s contribution towards the national mission of creating Lakhpati Didis by empowering rural women and promoting economic opportunities in rural areas.
Sanghani reaffirmed that IFFCO would continue to promote cooperation, innovation, agricultural technology and community empowerment during its Diamond Jubilee Year.
IFFCO Managing Director K.J. Patel Reaffirms Focus on Fertilizer Availability
IFFCO Managing Director K.J. Patel said the organisation’s six-decade journey has been guided by its commitment to Indian farmers and the country’s food security.
He stated that despite challenges in the global energy and fertilizer sectors, all IFFCO production units are operating with a continued focus on reliability, efficiency and optimum capacity utilisation to ensure the uninterrupted availability of fertilizers.
Patel also highlighted the organisation’s coordination with the Government of India and other stakeholders to ensure timely fertilizer production, distribution and availability across the country.
He emphasised that continuous technological advancement, operational excellence and innovations such as Nano Fertilizers would remain important to improving agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices.
He added that IFFCO would continue to strengthen the cooperative movement and contribute to the development and prosperity of India’s farming community.
IFFCO Plans 60 Landmark Programmes Across India
As part of its Diamond Jubilee Year celebrations, IFFCO has planned 60 landmark programmes across the country, representing each year of its journey since 1967.
The initiatives will focus on:
- Strengthening cooperative institutions across India.
- Promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Enhancing farmer awareness and education.
- Encouraging the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
- Supporting rural communities and farmer empowerment.
- Organising training workshops and cooperative development programmes.
Through farmer conventions, awareness campaigns, training sessions and community outreach activities, IFFCO aims to deepen its engagement with farmers and cooperative societies.
IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani Elected Director-at-Large of International Cooperative Alliance
Adding to the significance of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, IFFCO has felicitated its Chairman, Dileep Sanghani, on his election as Director-at-Large of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
The ICA is a global apex organisation representing the cooperative movement worldwide.
His election is being recognised as an important achievement for India’s cooperative sector and reflects his contribution to cooperative development and leadership. It also provides greater international recognition to India’s cooperative movement.
IFFCO Board Members to Organise 60 Farmers’ Meets and Cooperative Programmes
IFFCO’s Board of Directors and senior leadership will undertake nationwide outreach activities during the Diamond Jubilee Year.
As part of this initiative, the organisation plans to organise 60 Farmers’ Meets and Cooperative Strengthening Programmes across the country.
These programmes will facilitate direct interaction with farmers, cooperative societies, stakeholders and rural communities.
The meetings will focus on sharing knowledge about modern agricultural practices, Nano Fertilizers, sustainable farming techniques, digital services and cooperative development. They will also provide an opportunity to collect feedback from farmers to guide future initiatives and innovations.
IFFCO Renews Commitment to Farmers and Cooperative Development
As IFFCO enters its Diamond Jubilee Year (1967–2027), the organisation has reaffirmed its commitment to its founding philosophy of “By the Farmers, Of the Farmers and For the Farmers.”
From its beginnings with 57 cooperative member societies to becoming a leading force in fertilizer manufacturing, research and Nano Fertilizer technology, IFFCO’s 60-year journey reflects the contribution of collective cooperation to India’s agricultural development.
The organisation aims to carry this legacy forward through innovation, stronger cooperative institutions, sustainable agricultural solutions and continued efforts towards farmers’ welfare and a prosperous, self-reliant India.
About IFFCO
Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) is one of India’s leading cooperative fertiliser organisations, owned by farmers and focused on providing quality fertilisers and agricultural inputs. It supports Indian farmers through fertiliser production, distribution, agricultural services and initiatives aimed at improving farm productivity and rural development.
