IFFCO Celebrates 50 Years: HM Amit Shah Hails It as the Backbone of India's Agricultural Revolution

Kalol(The Uttam Hindu): Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah visited Gujarat on Sunday to mark the golden jubilee of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) plant in Kalol. The event highlighted IFFCO's significant contribution to India's cooperative and agricultural progress over the last five decades. Amit Shah attended the ceremony as the chief guest, with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel serving as the special guest of honor. The state’s Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel also joined the occasion, underscoring the event's importance both at the state and national levels. A highlight of the event was the inauguration of a new Seed Research Center at the IFFCO campus. The center aims to foster innovation in seed technology, boosting agricultural productivity and continuing IFFCO's mission to support India's farming community.

The ceremony drew a large crowd of farmers from across Gujarat, emphasizing the strong grassroots connection IFFCO has built over the years. In his address, Amit Shah emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting that it coincided with both Ram Navami and the foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), symbolizing fresh beginnings and continued growth. He praised IFFCO's remarkable journey, calling it a ‘model cooperative’ that has positively impacted millions of Indian households. “Even when IFFCO celebrates its centenary, the world will be in awe of its achievements,” said the Home Minister, lauding the organization’s enduring impact since the Kalol plant began operations.

Amit Shah also highlighted IFFCO’s pioneering role in introducing nano fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP, technologies that have now earned international recognition. He described IFFCO as not just a manufacturing entity but a movement that has transformed farming practices and empowered the agricultural sector. Discussing the new Seed Research Center, Shah noted it represented a major advancement in India’s agricultural strategy. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating modern reforms in cooperatives, education, and rural development. “Though this seed research center begins small, its impact will lay the foundation for future agricultural innovation,” he said.

The Home Minister also reflected on Prime Minister Modi’s ability to transcend political lines in prioritizing national development, acknowledging the contributions of past leaders, and highlighting how progress in the cooperative sector has accelerated under the BJP-led government. IFFCO currently operates five fertilizer production units across three states, boasting an impressive annual turnover of Rs 40,000 crore. The organization has embraced environmentally responsible practices, and Amit Shah noted the shift from being environmentally negligent to leading the charge in sustainable practices. “From being on the back foot in terms of environmental responsibility, we are now leading from the front,” said the Home Minister, citing innovations like liquid urea, which is compact and efficient. Shah also pointed out how modern technologies, like drones operated by women farmers to spray liquid urea, are empowering rural India’s workforce and transforming the agriculture sector.

“Indian farmers’ resilience will not only modernize agriculture but also protect the environment for future generations,” he concluded. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the significant role the cooperative movement has played in realizing the ideals of ‘Ram Rajya’—a prosperous and harmonious society rooted in Indian values. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah for driving unprecedented growth and innovation in the cooperative sector. Patel highlighted the IFFCO Kalol plant as a symbol of India’s cooperative strength, a "tree" that continues to bear fruit for farmers across the country