Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), one of the largest cooperative societies in the world, has announced a significant leadership transition at its Paradeep Unit. Mr. P K Mahapatra has been appointed as the new Unit Head, effective October 3, 2024. He succeeds Mr. K J Patel, who has been elevated to the position of Director (Technical) at IFFCO’s Head Office in Delhi.
Mr. K J Patel, previously the Unit Head and Plant Manager at IFFCO Paradeep, has a distinguished career spanning over 38 years in engineering and leadership roles. His contributions have been pivotal in transforming the Paradeep facility into one of the most advanced fertilizer production units in India. As the newly appointed Director (Technical), Patel will oversee operations across all IFFCO plants, ensuring synergy and excellence in production processes both domestically and internationally.
In his new role, Patel’s expertise in operational management and technical innovation will play a crucial role as IFFCO continues to expand its global presence in the fertilizer industry. His extensive experience positions him well to drive improvements and innovations that align with IFFCO’s mission of promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing farmer prosperity.
Taking over as Unit Head, Mr. P K Mahapatra brings with him a wealth of experience, having spent over 30 years in the fertilizer industry. A 1989 graduate of the Mechanical Engineering program at REC Rourkela, Mahapatra has been with IFFCO since 2007, serving in various critical roles related to technical operations and project management. His deep understanding of fertilizer production, especially in phosphatic fertilizers, will be invaluable as he leads the Paradeep Unit—one of the largest phosphatic fertilizer production facilities in Asia.
Mahapatra’s commitment to operational excellence and innovation aligns seamlessly with IFFCO’s goals. The leadership transition signifies IFFCO’s ongoing dedication to enhancing its operational capabilities and reinforcing its position as a leader in the fertilizer industry.
