New Delhi [India]: The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has been ranked again as the No. 1 cooperative among the top 300 cooperatives in the world, sustaining its position from last year. The ranking is based on the ratio of turnover over gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.
The ranking affirms that IFFCO is contributing significantly to the GDP and economic growth of the nation. It relates the turnover of the enterprise to the wealth of the country, according to the 2023 edition of the 12th Annual World Cooperative Monitor (WCM) report published by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
IFFCO has also stepped up to the 72nd position in the overall turnover ranking from the 97th position in the last financial year. IFFCO, along with its 35,500-member cooperative societies, 25,000 PACS and 52,400 PMKSK centres progressing towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Atmanirbhar Krishi', is a testimony of prosperity through cooperatives.
IFFCO has maintained its No. 1 rank for several years, which is a testament to IFFCO and its management's unwavering faith in cooperative principles. This can also be seen as an indicator of a strong cooperative movement in the country, which has gained impetus since the formation of the dedicated Union Cooperation Ministry under the able leadership of Shri Amit Shah, Hon'ble Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Government of India. Initiatives taken by the ministry have created a conducive environment that has enabled the flourishing of the cooperative movement in India.
Taking inspiration from the Hon'ble PM's vision of 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' and with years of hard work, research and experimentation on various crops, IFFCO developed the world's first nanourea and nanodAP for farmers.
IFFCO is procuring 2,500 Agri-Drones along with Accessories and Spares for spraying IFFCO Nano Fertilizers as well as Bio-fertilizers, Bio-stimulants like Sagarika and Argi-chemicals, etc. IFFCO will train more than 5000 rural entrepreneurs and distribute 2500 agri-drones. IFFCO is also engaged in identifying suitable village-level entrepreneurs who will be trained to operate these drones as "certified pilots." These drones will be deployed as per the location and schedule of training for these rural entrepreneurs.
Commenting on retaining the top position in consecutive years, Dr. Uday Shankar Awasthi, Managing Director, IFFCO, said, "It is a proud moment for us at IFFCO and the Indian Cooperative Movement as well. At IFFCO, we are always committed to the mission of increasing farmers' income, ensuring the wholesome growth of farmers across the nation, and strengthening the cooperative movement.
"We believe in innovation as it is the key to success. That is why we are introducing nanotechnology-based solutions for agriculture, especially alternative fertilizers, beginning with IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid, which has been received very well by Indian farmers. Later, IFFCO launched IFFCO Nano DAP, which was recently mentioned in the Annual Budget of the Government of India. I congratulate each and every one at IFFCO and the entire cooperative fraternity of the country for this momentous achievement," Awasthi said.
IFFCO being featured in the report is a testament to Indian cooperatives' zeal towards realizing the mission of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Atmanirbhar Krishi' while promoting the 'Make in India' project. Driven by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sahkar se Samridhi', IFFCO continues to drive innovation with the successful launch of nanotechnology-based IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid and Nano DAP Liquid, which have the potential to revolutionize the way agriculture is being practiced. Support from the Union Ministry of Cooperation, led by Honourable Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, has given impetus to these efforts.