Surat, May 28 – Man Singh Patel, a stalwart of the cooperative movement in South Gujarat, will be conferred with the prestigious "IFFCO Sahakar Ratna" award by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), the country's largest cooperative institution. The award ceremony will be held on May 29, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
This honour recognizes Patel’s four decades of tireless service in strengthening the cooperative framework, especially across Surat and Tapi districts. Along with a commemorative memento, the award includes a cash prize of Rs. 11 lakh.
Hailing from the tribal and farming community of Vansakui village in Mahuva taluka, Patel has served as chairman of key institutions such as Sumul Dairy, Mahuva Sugar Factory, and Vyara Sugar Factory. His leadership has been instrumental in elevating cooperative initiatives to new heights. In addition to his cooperative roles, he has also been deeply involved in various social and educational organizations.
The felicitation ceremony is expected to witness the presence of IFFCO Chairman Dilipbhai Sanghani, alongside a host of political, social, and cooperative leaders from across Gujarat, including farmers and representatives of milk unions.
Local cooperative bodies, dairy unions, and sugar factories in Surat and Tapi have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Patel on this national recognition. Plans are also underway to organize a separate local felicitation ceremony in his honour, where his 40 years of dedicated service will be formally celebrated.
Patel’s recognition as "Sahakar Ratna" is not just a personal achievement but a symbol of inspiration for the entire cooperative community.
