Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), known for its many interventions and achievements, collaborated with the giants Bharti Airtel and Star Global Resources Ltd. and created IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited). This association commenced making the farmer's life better through a wide array of solutions. As part of our varied service vertices, we have geared to revolutionize the agricultural world with technology while uplifting farmers with our services like mobile advisory, IFFCO Kisan Agriculture App, and Kisan call centre. We are also into distribution services of various commodities, including Cattle feed, Spices and Honey.
Working closely with our institutional partners, we also help farmers associations and FPOS upgrade the quality of products and viable options to sell their produce directly to the manufacturing units.
Committed to enriching farmers' lives, IFFCO Kisan promises global standards and acceptable agricultural practices.
IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) is an innovative concept promoted by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), world's largest producer and distributor of Fertilisers, to promote rural communications with value added services. IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) is promoted by :
Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) is a well known cooperative society engaged in production and distribution of chemical Fertilisers and marketing of agriculture related products. IFFCO is renowned for its activities associated with empowerment of farmers & cooperatives. IFFCO is the backbone of IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) and provides its vast experience of rural development, agriculture and allied knowledge to ensure that latest information and services are provided on the mobile phone.
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Star Global Resources Ltd. is a Non Banking Finance Company involved in promoting innovative business ventures, with particular strength in telecom products services.
Bharti Airtel Limited is the largest mobile telephony service provider in India.
Bharti Airtel is well also known for fixed mobile telephone services, broad
band services, etc. IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) uses Airtel network
backbone in extending rural communication services.
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Dr. U.S. Awasthi (Chairman, IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited))
Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi is the Chairman on the Board of IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited). Dr. Awasthi was instrumental in architecting voice based advisory services for farmers through mobile phones, which has taken the shape of IKSL. Dr Awasthi was responsible for a large number of initiatives for the welfare of Indian farmers. Leveraging technology for the development of Indian villages is an area of his keen interest which drives IKSL.... Presently, Dr. Awasthi is the Managing Director of Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative Limited (IFFCO). He enjoys the unique distinction of serving private, public and cooperative sectors of the fertilizer Industry in India. A hallmark of Dr. Awasthi’s tenure at the helm of IFFCO are the high levels of growth and excellent financial results. Dr. Awasthi has held several positions in various bodies. He was elected president of International Fertiliser Industry Association (IFA), during 1997-99, which is an organisation of 457 member companies from 80 countries. He was the first Asian to occupy the coveted position of IFA. Dr. Awasthi had completed his graduation in Chemical Engineering from Banaras Hindu University and had been dedicated to Indian fertiliser industry since 1967. As an internationally renowned chemical engineer, Dr. Awasthi has about four decades of experience which is completely dedicated to the fertiliser industry and Indian agriculture. Dr. Awasthi is a recipient of several honours and awards for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the fertiliser industry and Indian agriculture. Dr Awasthi was conferred Honorary Doctorate during the 20th Convocation of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad held on Apr 25, 2006. He was also conferred the Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) by Vikram University, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on March 2, 2008 at Ujjain.. He was conferred with Honorary Fellowship of Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (I.I.Ch.E) during the Indian Chemical Engineering Congress (Chemcon - 2001) held at Chennai. He is the recipient of “Best Chief Executive of the Year 2002” from the Minister for Shipping, Government of India during the Global Corporate Convention-2002 held in September 2002. He was awarded IBC Leading Engineers of the World - 2007 by International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England. Widely travelled, Dr. Awasthi has more than 25 papers to his credit and has co-authored a book 'Fertiliser Industry in India'. In addition to professional interests, Dr. Awasthi is an avid follower of fine arts with special taste for paintings.
Chairman
Mr. Rakesh Kapur (Director)
Mr. Rakesh Kapur is a Director on the Board of IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited). He has a keen interest in adoption of ICT for the betterment of the lives of people living in rural India. Under his guidance, IKSL has grown from a fledgling initiative to a sustainable venture. Presently, Mr. Kapur holds the position of Joint Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer in IFFCO. He is responsible for planning, managing and monitoring all finance and accounts related functions of IFFCO. He has also been extensively involved with all the new Projects, Acquisitions, Joint Ventures and Diversification initiatives of IFFCO from their stage of inception. Mr. Rakesh Kapur is an ex-IRS Officer of 1978 Batch, who held the rank of Commissioner of Income Tax in his parent cadre before he was absorbed in IFFCO in October 2005. He was awarded the “Best Probationer’s Silver Medal” in the IRS Batch by the National Academy of Direct Taxes, Nagpur. He has wide experience in Finance, Management, Business Strategy, Accounts and Taxation. He held various senior assignments in the Government of India, which included Joint Secretary (Commercial), Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI); Director in the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Department of Fertilizers; Additional Assessor & Collector, Municipal Corporation of Delhi apart from the postings in the Income Tax Department as Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Deputy / Jt. Commissioner of Income Tax since 1978. He had also worked in the Technical Services Department of the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (Marketing Division) during 1975-78. Mr. Kapur has travelled widely and participated in various national and international Seminars and Conferences, and presented papers on different subjects. Mr. Kapur holds B. Tech Degree in Mechanical Engineering ( First Class with Distinction) from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi and a Post-Graduation in Management.
Director
Mr. Manish Gupta (Director)
Mr. Manish Gupta is a Director on the Board of v representing IFFCO. Presently, Mr. Gupta holds the position of Director (Strategy & Joint Venture) in IFFCO. Prior to this, Mr. Gupta was General Manager, Sr. General Manager and Executive Director and headed the Strategic Management Group. He was associated with setting up of Kisan International Trading FZE, Dubai, the restructuring of ICS, Senegal, Acquisition of Paradeep Plant from OCFL, Acquisition of Stake in Legend International etc. Mr. Gupta is an Ex-IRS Officer of 1990 Batch. He has held various positions in the I.R.S. Besides he has held the positions of Officer on Special Duty to the Revenue Secretary, Govt. of India and Dy. Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in the Government of India. He has wide experience in Project Appraisal and Management, Disinvestment of Government Equity in Public Sector Undertakings and Rehabilitation of Sick Undertakings. He has various publications to his credit.Mr. Gupta holds B. Tech. Degree in Civil Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, India and Bachelor of Law from University of Pune, India.
Director
Mr. Ranjan Sharma (Director)
Mr. Ranjan Sharma is a Director on the Board of IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) representing M/s Star Global Resources Limited. Mr. Sharma is also the Director of Star Global Resources Limited and has a rich experience in the Indian Corporate Sector and rural domain. He has a keen interest in exploring new concepts and innovative ideas for the development of the country, in particular rural India. He was a major force behind the formation of IKSL. Mr. Sharma also conceptualized the idea of disseminating information pertaining to agri-practices, weather information, animal husbandry, market prices, pesticides/insecticides and other information relevant to day-to-day usage to farmers through voice messages carried on mobile telephones. After successful implementation of a pilot in 2006 with IFFCO, a joint venture company was formed. After becoming an entrepreneur in 2006, he floated an NBFC under the name and style of Star Global Resources Ltd which invests in diversified businesses after evaluating their long term business potential. Mr. Sharma has varied experience in the Indian corporate sector spanning over 30 years. He worked with traditional Indian business houses as well as multinational companies mainly in the fertilizer sector. His major accomplishments include implementation of mega sized projects, putting together management teams and financial structures for these ventures and setting up systems for running the businesses. He concluded more than a dozen international collaborations during his working career. He has exposure in dealing with top level government functionaries in Central as well State Governments in agriculture. Mr. Sharma is a Cost Accountant, Company Secretary and Law graduate by qualification.
Director
Mr. Yogendra Kumar (Additional Director)
Mr. Yogendra Kumar is Additional Director on the Board of IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) representing IFFCO. Marketing Director, IFFCO hails from the family of agriculturists and also holds a bachelor degree in agriculture. He has contributed more than 35 years dedicatedly in the service of farmers and cooperatives at various level. He has an ability to provide practical solution to the problem faced by the farmers. While working in various capacities in IFFCO, he has been instrumental in generating and validating new products and technologies for the benefit of farmers. He meticulously co-ordinated ‘Neem polyploidy’ research with Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. He is instrumental in development, production and marketing of seaweed extract based “Sagarika” a product which coincidentally also helps support fishermen families. He is in the process to develop nano fertilizer based solution for the farmers to reduce the consumption of fertilizer and improve fertilizer use efficiency. He has been a recipient of several awards and has also represented IFFCO in various national and international forums. In addition to the Board of Directors of IFFCO, Mr.Yogendra Kumar is member of the Board of following subsidiaries of IFFCO: IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) Indian Farm Forestry Development Cooperative IFFCO-MC Crop Science PVt Ltd IFFCO Kisan Logistics Ltd Cooperative Rural Development Trust IFFCO e-Bazar Limited IFFCO Kisan Sewa Trust Indian Tourism Cooperative Limited (COOPTOUR).
Additional Director
Ms. Mala Srivastava (Independent Director)
Ms. Mala Srivastava is by qualification graduate in English Honours from Patna University and Master’s degree in Social Science with Diploma in Development Finance from University of Birmingham, U.K. She is an ex-IRS Officer and possesses rich experience in the matters related to administering the Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Laws having retired recently as Member, Customs & Central Excise Board. She also has valuable experience of policy formulation with respect to the Customs tariff, law and procedures, drawback, SEZ, etc.
Independent Director
Mr. Praveer Srivastava (Acting Chief Executive Officer)
Mr. Praveer Srivastava holds the position of "Acting Chief Executive Officer". Mr. Srivastava is B Tech in Dairy
Technology and MBA (Marketing & IS) has rich experience of 23+ years of sales, marketing and
distribution in the Food FMCG and Commodity Industry. Started his career with Nestle India in May
1998, worked in Tilda Riceland Pvt Ltd, National Sales Manager in German Conglomerate Krϋger GmbH
and Chief Operating Officer in Pearl Foods. He has successfully launched and established many known
Food brands in Indian market. Has spent the last 13 years in International Marketing. He is expert in
devising the strategies, new business developments and establishment of Business Processes and
execution. He has effectively managed, led and supervised a multidisciplinary team.
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Prabhaakar Narain (Chief Finance officer)
Mr. Prabhakar Narain is a member of Institute of Cost Accountants of India and holds a master's degree. He is working with IKSL and holds the position of CFO. He has extensive experience of over 25 years in accounting taxation, Internal Audit, Business process development, and cost analysis. He has provided his services to IFFCO plant as well as IFFCO HO.
Chief Finance officer
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Raydas (National Production Head)
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Raydas is currently working as National Production Head in IFFCO Kisan. He has an experience of more than 16 years in Production, Maintenance, Manufacturing process, project, Safety, Quality Assurance , Technical Services,Team Management, etc.. He has expertise in enhancing production process, resource optimization, costs reduction and improving productivity by technology management. He has conducted more than 150 Feed Mill trials along with Feed Mill Audits, Technical Trainings & Technical recommendation for Feed mill Operation & Maintenance to multiple countries i.e. South Asia, South East Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Brazil, etc. He owns a very specific technical skill to increase plant performance by using process improvement tools based on hands-on experience of more than 500 plus Feed mills visiting globally. He adept in building new businesses, developing new territories, and setting up channel partners, vendor networks and mentoring business & operations teams across geographies and in handling the domestic and international trade execution.
National Production Head
Mr. Morup Namgail (Head Agritech Development)
Morup Namgail heads the Agri-Tech Department at IFFCO-IKSL. An Agri-Business professional with close to seven years of experience, his initial years in the organization focused on establishing institutional business partnerships predominantly in the development sector. As the Head of Department for Agri-Tech, he currently is responsible for further scaling institutional businesses, conceptualizing and designing farmer-centric agri-tech services, integrating new-age agri-tech platforms, designing content advisories for farmers across different digital platforms. He strongly believes in the philosophy of Alternate Thinking, Driving positive change.
Head Agritech Development
IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) was bestowed the prestigious Telecom Award from the Economic Times under the ‘Use of Telecom for Social Good - For Profit Company’ category for the year 2014. The award was received by Mr. Ranjan Sharma (Director), Mr S. Srinivasan (EX-CEO) and Mr. Ashok Bala from Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister, Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Government of India.
IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) was awarded the Best Jury Award for ICT enabled Agriculture Initiative for the Project m-Powering Farmers at eWorld Forum 2011 during the eWorld Forum Awards Night at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi on August 2, 2011.
SKOCH Digital Inclusion Awards 2011 for the category "Value Added Services" was conferred on IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) for its initiative, "Farmers Empowerment through Mobile Phones" at the SKOCH Digital Inclusion Day, organized on 1st September, 2011 at Hotel Shangri-La, Ashoka Road, New Delhi.
Business in the Community is one of “The Prince's Charities”, a group of not-for-profit organisations in U.K. of which The Prince of Wales is President. It is a membership organisation that mobilises business for good. With HRH Prince Charles as patron, the annual BITC Awards for Excellence are the premier awards recognising companies that are integrating responsible business practice into their mainstream operations and are delivering positive impacts in the environment, the marketplace, the workplace and the community. Coffey, a global professional services consultancy firm, operating for 52 years focusing on both physical and social infrastructure, sponsors the Business in the Community ‘Coffey International Award’, which celebrates examples of excellence from businesses that have positively impacted one or more of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This Award identifies and celebrates such contributions to support progress towards achieving the MDGs.
The vision of IFFCO in promoting IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited (Formerly IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited) as an institution for promoting rural empowerment received international recognition with the erstwhile President of the U.S.A., Mr. Barack Obama visiting the Agriculture Expo at St. Xavier's College in Mumbai on November 7, 2010. He was appreciative of IFFCO Kisan's initiative and in particular stated "It is a Great Idea. Do it across the world. Great Work.Keep it up."
