On Friday, Dr. U.S. Awasthi, Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), met with Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, at his residence office in New Delhi. The meeting centered on the evolving role of cooperatives in strengthening India’s economy and boosting rural prosperity.
Dr. Awasthi provided the Minister with a comprehensive update on IFFCO’s performance for the Financial Year 2024–25. He highlighted that the organization’s achievements align closely with the government’s vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” , Prosperity through Cooperation, a key pillar of India’s development framework under Minister Shah’s dynamic leadership.
Dr. Awasthi expressed his appreciation for the Minister’s continued support and guidance, which has been instrumental in IFFCO’s continued success and innovation in the agriculture sector.
A major highlight of the discussion was the Seed Research and Development Facility at IFFCO’s Kalol Unit in Gujarat. Dr. Awasthi informed the Minister about the progress of this vital initiative. Shri Amit Shah has long championed the cause of seed certification, recognizing its transformative impact on Indian agriculture.
Shah believes that access to high-quality, certified seeds can significantly enhance crop yields and farmers’ incomes. IFFCO’s research facility is contributing to this mission by advancing seed technology and ensuring that farmers have access to reliable, high-yielding seed varieties.
The meeting also covered the collaborative efforts that have given rise to BBSSL (Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited), an initiative inspired by Shri Amit Shah and supported by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). BBSSL is a growing cooperative venture focused on seed development and has already seen participation from more than 20,000 cooperative societies across 34 states and union territories.
It is working closely with government universities, agricultural scientists, and research laboratories to promote innovation in seed production. IFFCO and KRIBHCO are among the key contributors to BBSSL’s mission, ensuring certified seed production at scale.
Another important topic discussed was the role of cooperatives in expanding the insurance net in rural India. Dr. Awasthi emphasized that India’s strong cooperative framework can be leveraged to raise awareness and increase penetration of insurance schemes in villages and small towns — a move that will safeguard livelihoods and promote economic stability in rural areas.
IFFCO’s insurance arm, IFFCO-Tokio, has launched several farmer-friendly insurance schemes, tailored to meet the needs of those who often find themselves excluded by conventional insurance providers. These efforts are providing meaningful protection to farmers and contribute to a more resilient rural economy.
After the meeting, Dr. Awasthi expressed his gratitude via social media, stating: “I express my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for graciously taking time out of his busy schedule for this warm and insightful meeting.”
This engagement underscores the government’s deepening commitment to empowering cooperatives as engines of rural growth and innovation.
