gujarat-amit-shah-lays-stone-for-iffco-seed-research-centre

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the upcoming “Seed Research Centre” of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) at a grand ceremony held at IFFCO, Kalol.

 

According to a press release, the event marked the golden jubilee celebrations of IFFCO — the world’s largest cooperative — and its first urea manufacturing complex. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the ceremony, along with state cabinet members and several prominent cooperative leaders.

 

As per the release, Amit Shah said that IFFCO’s 50-year journey has remained dedicated to advancing agriculture, boosting production, strengthening the rural economy, and ensuring farmers’ prosperity.

 

Looking ahead to IFFCO’s centenary, he said the organisation would build on its legacy by focusing on four major areas — adoption of modern farming techniques, increasing agricultural productivity, soil conservation, and environmental protection.

 

He highlighted that IFFCO had taken a significant step towards empowering farmers economically by building strong connections between them and cooperatives.

 

Through this system, fertilisers were made available in a timely and sufficient manner, which, in turn, contributed to the growth of agriculture and enhanced farmers’ self-reliance.

 

Amit Shah praised IFFCO’s innovative approach and noted that its introduction of Solid Urea and DAP had transformed the agricultural sector.

 

In line with modern requirements, IFFCO has now moved forward with the development of Nano Urea and Nano DAP, driven by its commitment to research and development.

 

He expressed pride that these innovations had brought global recognition to India’s cooperative movement. According to Shah, IFFCO has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world farming, helping farmers directly benefit from scientific advancements.

 

The organisation’s research and development efforts have always been firmly rooted in its farmer-first philosophy.

 

Shah also commented that, while IFFCO operates within the framework of a cooperative, it functions with the professionalism and efficiency of a corporate entity. This unique blend of values and practices has allowed IFFCO to maintain its leadership position in the Indian cooperative sector.

 

He further mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given top priority to national development, introducing several transformative initiatives across various spheres.

 

One key decision, according to Shah, was the establishment of a separate Ministry of Cooperation to revive and modernise the cooperative movement. Under Modi’s leadership, 65 crucial decisions have already been implemented to strengthen the cooperative sector.

 

Amit Shah also announced the creation of India’s first cooperative university — Tribhuvandas Cooperative University — named after Tribhuvandas Patel, a pioneer of Gujarat’s cooperative movement.

 

He said the university would ensure that Patel’s legacy inspires future generations and contributes to the long-term growth of the sector.

 

The university will offer specialised education in all aspects of the cooperative movement. It will integrate traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to analyse cooperative models and guide the future of India’s cooperative ecosystem.

 

The minister also introduced three newly established national-level cooperatives: the National Export Cooperative Limited to help Indian farmers access international markets; the National Organic Cooperative Limited to certify and brand organic produce, ensuring farmers receive fair value; and the Seed Cooperative Limited, which will provide advanced quality seeds while preserving indigenous hybrid varieties.

 

He said IFFCO currently operates at five locations across three states, generating an annual turnover of ₹40,000 crore and profits of ₹3,200 crore. These achievements reflect IFFCO’s continuous innovation and commitment over the past five decades.

 

The newly established Seed Research Centre, he added, would help promote high-yield seed varieties and preserve top-quality seeds, thereby acting as a key driver of agricultural productivity and farmer welfare in the future.

 

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, applauding the enterprising spirit of Gujaratis in championing the cooperative model, stated that cooperation is deeply embedded in Indian culture.

 

He remarked that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi and India’s first Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the guiding principles of “Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas, Sauno Vishwas, Sauno Prayas” have energised the cooperative movement, benefitting farmers, the poor, and marginalised communities.

 

The Chief Minister noted that IFFCO was established with the aim of ensuring a reliable fertiliser supply for Indian farmers and contributing to the nation’s self-sufficiency in foodgrain production.

 

This mission took a major leap forward in 1975 with the opening of its first plant in Kalol. From an initial group of 57 cooperative societies, IFFCO now comprises over 36,000 societies across India. Through this extensive network, various government schemes support farmers from seed to market.

 

He also recalled that when IFFCO was founded in 1967, its first chairman was Yuvraj Udaybhansinhji of Porbandar.

 

He praised Amit Shah’s guidance in promoting research and innovation at IFFCO and mentioned that the Ministry of Cooperation has launched the world’s largest food security programme specifically aimed at benefiting farmers.

 

IFFCO’s innovations in Nano Urea and Nano DAP have been globally recognised, significantly improving crop yields and enhancing soil health. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these advancements would play a pivotal role in ushering in a second Green Revolution in India.

 

He further noted that Gujarat is advancing its cooperative movement under Amit Shah’s vision of “Sahakar thi Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).

 

Today, over 89,000 cooperative societies operate in the state, with 1.71 crore members — meaning one in every four Gujaratis is connected to a cooperative. He called this a shining example of successful cooperative governance.

 

To further strengthen primary agricultural cooperative societies, the Gujarat government has allocated dedicated funds in the current budget. The Chief Minister expressed hope that this move would further energise the cooperative movement across the state.

 

The event was also attended by Gujarat Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, Minister of State for Cooperation Jagdish Vishwakarma, Rajya Sabha MP Mayank Nayak, MLAs Jayesh Radadiya, Laxmanji Thakor, and Smt. Ritaben Patel, as well as IFFCO Board members, cooperative leaders, IFFCO staff, and a large gathering of farmers.