Reaffirming its commitment to nurturing not only agriculture but also India’s intellectual and cultural life, the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) on Tuesday conferred its prestigious literary honours for 2025 on eminent Hindi writer Maitreyi Pushpa and young author Ankita Jain at the IFFCO Sahitya Samman ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani underlined that the cooperative’s vision goes far beyond fertiliser production. “IFFCO is not only dedicated to agriculture, but equally committed to the ideological and cultural enrichment of society,” he said.
Emphasising the cooperative philosophy of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’, Sanghani noted that IFFCO has consistently worked to give literature and creative expression a new direction by supporting writers whose work reflects rural life and social realities. “Through literature and art, we seek to awaken a new social consciousness. IFFCO remains fully committed to this mission,” he added.
Sanghani also detailed IFFCO’s five-decade-long journey as India’s largest cooperative in the fertiliser sector, serving millions of farmers by providing quality agricultural inputs at affordable prices. Linking agriculture with sustainability and self-reliance, he highlighted IFFCO’s landmark innovation in developing the world’s first nano fertiliser using indigenous proprietary technology.
The IFFCO Sahitya Samman 2025 was awarded to renowned Hindi novelist and short story writer Maitreyi Pushpa for her outstanding contribution to literature rooted in rural society, women’s experiences and social change.
Accepting the honour, Pushpa said the recognition held special meaning as it came from an institution deeply connected with farmers and villages. “Literature that grows from the soil of rural life carries the voices, struggles and dreams of millions. This award strengthens my belief that writing can be a powerful medium of social dialogue,” she remarked.
Born in Sikurra village of Aligarh district and raised in Bundelkhand, Pushpa has authored several acclaimed novels and story collections such as Chak, Idannamam*, Alma Kabootari and Betwa Behti Rahi. She has earlier received major literary honours including the Premchand Samman and Sarojini Naidu Award.
The IFFCO Yuva Sahitya Samman 2025 was presented to Ankita Jain for her book Oh Re! Kisan, which vividly captures the realities of agrarian life. Jain said the award encouraged young writers to engage deeply with rural issues. “Farming is not just an occupation but a lived experience shaped by uncertainty, resilience and hope. I am grateful that a cooperative like IFFCO values and amplifies such narratives,” she said.
Ankita Jain, whose debut Aisi Vaisi Aurat was a bestseller, is also actively involved in rural enterprise and works closely with tribal women through farmer producer organisations.
Instituted in 2011, the IFFCO Sahitya Samman carries a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, while the Yuva Sahitya Samman includes Rs 2.5 lakh, along with a citation and memento. Together, the awards reflect IFFCO’s unique effort to bridge agriculture, culture and creative expression under the cooperative ethos.
