The Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) is a multi-state cooperative society and the world’s largest cooperative by turnover on GDP per capita, engaged in the manufacture and marketing of a wide range of agricultural inputs, especially fertilizers. It is owned by over 36,000 member cooperatives across India, reaching over 50 million farmers.
Mission and Objectives
IFFCO’s primary mission is to enable Indian farmers to prosper by providing timely access to reliable, high-quality agricultural information, services, and inputs in an environmentally sustainable manner. Key objectives include:
- Boosting crop productivity and farmer income.
- Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as the balanced use of organic and bio-fertilizers.
- Strengthening the cooperative movement and supporting rural development through various social initiatives and services.
Products and Services
IFFCO is a major manufacturer of conventional fertilizers like Urea, Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), and NPK/NP complex fertilizers. A key innovation is the development and promotion of Nano Urea and Nano DAP liquid fertilizers, which aim to boost farm productivity with less environmental impact.
Beyond its core fertilizer business, IFFCO has diversified into several areas to provide holistic support to farmers:
- Insurance: IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance offers rural-centric insurance products, including free accident cover with each bag of IFFCO fertilizer purchased (Sankat Haran Bima Yojana).
- Agrochemicals: A joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation, IFFCO-MC Crop Science, provides quality pesticides and crop protection products.
- Rural Telephony and E-commerce: IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) leverages mobile communications for rural India, and IFFCO BAZAR provides a modern retail and information experience.
- Finance: IFFCO Kisan Finance offers financial services, including tractor and harvester loans, to the rural population.
Infrastructure and Global Presence
Headquartered in New Delhi, IFFCO operates five production plants in India: Kalol, Kandla (both in Gujarat), Phulpur, Aonla (both in Uttar Pradesh), and Paradeep (Odisha). It also has a global footprint through joint ventures in countries like Oman, Jordan, Senegal, and Dubai to ensure a stable supply chain for raw materials and finished products.
Impact on Indian Agriculture
IFFCO plays a crucial role in India’s food security by ensuring the availability of essential agricultural inputs. By strengthening the cooperative distribution system and running extensive farmer education and training programs (such as soil testing and balanced fertilization initiatives), IFFCO helps farmers adopt scientific knowledge and best practices to improve their yields and standard of living.
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