•IFFCO honoured two women agricultural leaders—Shakeela Akhtar and Bhavna Gondaliya—for the first time with ₹11 lakh awards each at its 55th AGM.
•The cooperative reported a record profit of ₹4,585 crore and approved employee incentives worth ₹490.65 crore.
•A minimum wage of ₹20,000 was announced for lower-level employees with a ₹140 crore budget allocation for wage reforms.
•Over 850 cooperative leaders, farmers, and stakeholders attended the AGM, which highlighted sustainable agriculture and nano-fertiliser adoption.
•IFFCO showcased investments across multiple sectors including seed, export, insurance, rural finance, and e-commerce platforms.
•The awards ceremony aligns with the UN’s declaration of 2025–26 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
•Chairman Dileep Sanghani linked IFFCO’s success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” vision.
The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) marked its 55th annual general meeting (AGM) by making history—honouring two women agricultural leaders for the first time, reporting its highest-ever profit, and unveiling a substantial employee welfare package. Held recently, the AGM brought together over 850 cooperative leaders, member societies, farmers’ representatives, and stakeholders from across India to celebrate achievements and chart future directions.
IFFCO conferred two prestigious awards exclusively on women achievers for the very first time in its 55-year history. Shakeela Akhtar from Jammu and Kashmir received the *IFFCO Sahakarita Ratna Award 2024–25*, carrying an honorarium of ₹11 lakh, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to strengthening the cooperative movement and empowering women in agriculture. Bhavna Gondaliya from Gujarat was awarded the *IFFCO Sahakarita Bandhu Award 2024–25* along with an identical ₹11 lakh cash prize, for her distinguished work in the cooperative sector and her dedication to women’s empowerment in farming. The timing aligns with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025–26 as the “International Year of the Woman Farmer,” underscoring IFFCO’s commitment to gender inclusivity and rural development.
Addressing the gathering, IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani highlighted the cooperative’s global standing and attributed its success to the unwavering support of farmers, cooperatives, and employees. He emphasized that IFFCO embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of *“Sahakar Se Samriddhi”* (Prosperity through Cooperation), a policy framework aimed at uplifting farmers and rural communities through collective action and cooperative enterprises. Sanghani’s remarks underscored the organisation’s role as a model of farmer-led development and sustainable agriculture.
IFFCO Managing Director K J Patel announced a record profit of ₹4,585 crore for the financial year, marking a significant milestone in the cooperative’s financial performance. In a move to boost employee morale and welfare, the board approved incentives worth ₹490.65 crore for the year. Additionally, the organisation announced a minimum wage of ₹20,000 per month for lower-level employees, accompanied by a dedicated budget allocation of ₹140 crore to support wage reforms and operational improvements. These measures reflect IFFCO’s dual focus on financial growth and employee well-being.
The AGM also served as a platform to showcase IFFCO’s expanding footprint across multiple sectors. The cooperative highlighted its investments and initiatives in several key entities, including Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (seed cooperative), National Cooperative Exports Limited (export wing), IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company (insurance), CORDET (rural development), IFFDC (foundation for development), IFFCO Bazar (e-commerce platform), IFFCO-MC (mutual funds), and Kisan Rural Finance (rural financing). These ventures underline IFFCO’s strategy to diversify its operations and enhance value for farmers through integrated services.
Sustainability remained a central theme of the discussions. IFFCO reiterated its commitment to promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices, particularly through the wider adoption of nano-fertilisers, which are designed to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The organisation also reaffirmed its support for small and marginal farmers, aiming to enhance their productivity and income through access to modern inputs, technology, and cooperative networks.
With these announcements, IFFCO has set a new benchmark in cooperative excellence, blending financial performance, gender empowerment, employee welfare, and sustainable agriculture. The 55th AGM not only celebrated past achievements but also laid a strong foundation for future growth, reinforcing the cooperative’s pivotal role in India’s agricultural and rural development landscape.
