Born July 12, 1945 – Present
- Bachelor of Technology (Chemical Engineering): Graduated from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1967, grounding his leadership in industrial processes and project engineering.
- Honorary Doctorate (D.Sc.): Awarded by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (2006), for his lifetime service to agricultural development and fertilizer innovation.
- Spouse: Rekha Awasthi (Daughter of Sri Lal Shukla, renowned Hindi writer and satirist)
- Children: Two sons
- Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO): Managing Director and CEO (1993–2025), serving as the driving force behind its expansion into a multi-state apex giant.
- IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company Ltd. & IFFCO Bazar: Founder/Chairman of key diversified subsidiaries, extending crop insurance and direct digital rural retail to farmers across state borders.
- International & Multi-State Allied Entities: Served as Chairman/Director on boards including Indian Potash Limited (IPL), Oman India Fertilizer Company (OMIFCO), Industries Chimiques du Senegal (ICS), and Jordan India Fertiliser Company.
- Academic & Advisory Roles: Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and former visiting professor at IIT Delhi and BHU.
- Global Scale & Technological Pioneers: Led IFFCO's development and commercialization of Nano Urea and Nano DAP, revolutionizing liquid fertilization to reduce input costs and environmental degradation across India's farming belts.
- International Supply Chain Integration: Conceptualized and executed overseas joint ventures (such as OMIFCO in Oman and ICS in Senegal), securing long-term raw material supplies (ammonia and phosphate) to shield Indian farmers from global fertilizer market volatility.
- Digital Rural Inclusion: Launched the Indian Cooperative Digital Platform, empowering primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) and member-farmers with e-commerce, drone spraying services, and agricultural extension services.
- Fertiliser Industry in India (Co-authored comprehensive work on the development, policy framework, and growth trajectory of India's fertilizer ecosystem).
- Author of over 25 technical research papers and policy whitepapers on project management, sustainable plant nutrition, and cooperative governance.
- Rochdale Pioneers Award (2024): Conferred by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)—the highest global honor in the cooperative movement.
- NCUI Distinguished Service to Cooperation Award (1997): Awarded by the National Cooperative Union of India for outstanding service to the nation's cooperative framework.
- Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Award: Honored by the Society for Environment and Agricultural Advancement.
- BHU Distinguished Alumnus & Alumni Award of Excellence: Awarded by Banaras Hindu University for exceptional contributions to chemical engineering and national agro-industrial growth.