New Delhi | May 29, 2025 — Shri Mansinh K. Patel, Chairman of Sumul Dairy, has been awarded the prestigious IFFCO Sahakar Ratna Award 2025, recognising his outstanding contributions to Gujarat's rural development and cooperative dairy sector. The award was presented during the 54th Annual General Meeting of IFFCO, held in New Delhi.

This honour solidifies Patel's position as one of India's most influential cooperative leaders. In 2023, he had also received a national award from President Droupadi Murmu for his leadership and the role of Sumul Dairy in transforming rural livelihoods in Gujarat.

🐄 Sumul Dairy: A Pillar of Gujarat's Dairy Cooperative Movement

Headquartered in Surat, Sumul Dairy (Surat District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd.) supports over 250,000 cattle breeders across Surat and Tapi districts. The cooperative is a key player in Gujarat's dairy sector and a vital component of the Amul model of cooperative success.

Under Patel's leadership, Sumul has:

• Expanded dairy procurement and chilling infrastructure
• Improved veterinary and breeding services in rural areas
• Empowered thousands of women and marginal farmers in the cooperative network
• Consistently contributed to the state's dairy production growth

Sumul's success has become a model for other cooperatives across India, which seek to balance commercial growth with social inclusion.

🧪 IFFCO's Broader Cooperative Impact

The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), which has conferred the Sahakar Ratna Award, is not only India's largest fertiliser cooperative but also a recognised leader in innovation and digital transformation. In February 2025, IFFCO was honoured with six accolades at the Global Leaders Awards, including the award for Best Digital Strategy Delivering Business Value.

The Sahakar Ratna Award, previously presented to cooperative champions in states such as Karnataka and Maharashtra, is among the most prestigious honours for cooperative excellence in India. It recognises visionaries who have strengthened the backbone of rural India through sustainable and community-led growth.

🎯 A Recognition of Cooperative Leadership

This year's award underscores the significance of effective, transparent, and inclusive leadership within the Indian cooperative sector. By celebrating achievements in dairy, agriculture, and allied sectors, IFFCO reinforces its commitment to Sahkar Se Samriddhi—prosperity through cooperation.

“This recognition belongs to every dairy farmer associated with Sumul,” Patel said. “It reflects the power of unity and the unmatched strength of India’s cooperative model.”