Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, marked a historic moment by laying the foundation stone for the Beej Anusandhan Kendra, a state-of-the-art seed research center, at the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) Kalol unit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The occasion also celebrated the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of IFFCO's Kalol branch, underscoring the organization’s pivotal role in transforming India’s agricultural and cooperative sectors.
IFFCO at 50: A Legacy of Innovation and Cooperation
Shri Amit Shah emphasized the remarkable journey of IFFCO, highlighting its evolution from a chemical fertilizer producer to a global pioneer in nano and bio fertilizers. According to Shah, IFFCO’s 50-year track record showcases how cooperative and corporate values, when aligned, can deliver outstanding results for farmers and the nation.
Key Milestones in IFFCO’s Journey:
-
Established presence in 5 locations: Kandla, Kalol, Phulpur, Amla, and Paradip
-
Fertilizer production capacity: 9 million metric tons
-
Annual sales: 11 million metric tons
-
Turnover: ₹40,000 crore
-
Profit: ₹3,200 crore
Driving Self-Reliance in Food Production
Shah credited IFFCO for its critical role in India’s journey toward self-reliance in food grain production.
He noted that:
-
IFFCO has seamlessly linked fertilizers with the cooperative network.
-
It has empowered farmers through access to affordable, efficient, and sustainable solutions.
-
IFFCO has become globally recognized for Nano Urea and Nano DAP, both of which are now exported worldwide.
Beej Anusandhan Kendra: A Leap Towards Sustainable Agriculture
The newly launched Beej Anusandhan Kendra aims to be a turning point in India’s agricultural research and innovation. The center will focus on:
Research Objectives:
-
Enhancing seed quality
-
Boosting crop productivity
-
Reducing the use of water and fertilizers
-
Preserving ancient indigenous seed varieties
-
Improving the nutritional value of crops
Shah reiterated that the center will bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world application, ensuring that cutting-edge developments reach farmers' fields efficiently.
Tribhuvan Sahkari University: The Future of Cooperative Education
During his address, Shri Amit Shah also highlighted another major initiative — the establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University, named in honor of cooperative stalwart Tribhuvan Das Patel. The Parliament has already passed the bill for its creation.
University Objectives:
-
Introduce modern cooperative education
-
Promote transparency from PACS to apex cooperative bodies
-
Leverage technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI)
-
Set a strategic roadmap for the cooperative sector over the next 50 years
Shah emphasized that this university will become the nerve center of cooperative innovation, guiding policy and strategy for decades to come.
62 New Cooperative Initiatives Under PM Modi’s Leadership
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Ministry of Cooperation has launched 62 transformative initiatives aimed at revitalizing India’s cooperative sector.
These include:
-
Computerization of primary cooperative societies
-
Integrating PACS with new economic activities
-
Bringing the entire dairy economic cycle into the cooperative framework
Fertilizer Transformation: From Costly Chemicals to Efficient Nano Solutions
Shri Amit Shah highlighted how IFFCO has redefined the economics of fertilizers:
“Earlier, fertilizers were high in cost and low in efficiency. IFFCO has reversed that — making them low-cost and high-efficiency.”
He elaborated that today's fertilizers ensure:
-
Targeted nutrient delivery
-
Controlled release, preventing soil degradation
-
Sustainable farming practices
IFFCO has transitioned from a bulk application approach to precision agriculture, ensuring optimal resource use and better soil health.
Looking Ahead: IFFCO’s Next 50 Years
As IFFCO begins its journey towards a centenary, Amit Shah outlined a bold vision for the future:
-
Modernizing Indian agriculture with cutting-edge technology
-
Enhancing productivity while preserving natural resources
-
Promoting eco-friendly, sustainable farming practices
-
Continuing to uplift rural economies and empower farmers
Shah concluded by affirming that the Beej Anusandhan Kendra, like IFFCO itself, would become a cornerstone of agricultural prosperity and innovation for generations to come.
The foundation stone ceremony for the Beej Anusandhan Kendra and the celebration of IFFCO Kalol’s Golden Jubilee mark a transformative moment in India’s agricultural and cooperative narrative. With visionary leadership, sustained innovation, and strategic investment in education and research, India is firmly on the path to becoming a global agricultural powerhouse.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
