Who is Dr. P.S. Gahlaut?
Dr. Parvinder Singh Gahlaut is the transformative force behind Indian Potash Limited (IPL), turning it from a modest fertilizer trader into a ₹30,000+ crore diversified agri-conglomerate. A strategist, policy shaper, and farmer advocate, his work bridges sustainable agriculture, global diplomacy, and rural prosperity.
Key Information
| Profession |
Businessman |
| Date of Birth |
27/07/1947 |
| Age |
77 Years |
| Height |
5’ 9’’ |
| Weight |
83 Kg |
| Education |
Ph.D. (Business Management), PG Diploma (Marketing), B.Sc. (Chemistry) |
| Nationality |
Indian |
| Marital Status |
Married |
| Religion |
Hindu |
| Wife |
Not Disclosed |
| Children |
Vivek Gahlaut |
Professional Journey of PS Gahlaut
| Category |
Details |
| Current Role |
Managing Director, Indian Potash Limited (IPL) |
| Career Tenure |
38+ years (Joined IPL in 1985; MD since 1997) |
| IPL Turnover (FY23) |
₹30,000+ Crores |
| Global Influence |
Vice President, International Fertilizer Association (IFA); Board Member in Jordan, UAE, Indonesia |
| Awards |
Krishi Bharti Award, FAI Leadership Award, National Soil Health Ambassador |
Education & Early Life
- Sc. (Chemistry Honors): University of Delhi.
- PG Diploma (Marketing Management): University of Delhi.
- D. (Business Management): Inter American University, Florida.
- Early Inspiration: Born in Kolkata and raised in Mumbai, his proximity to farming communities fueled his mission to revolutionize Indian agriculture.
Indian Potash Limited Before & After Dr. Gahlaut
| Before 1997 |
After 2023 |
| Single-product trader |
Diversified into fertilizers, sugar, dairy, biofuels |
| ₹500 Crore turnover |
₹30,000+ Crore turnover |
| Limited technology adoption |
AI-driven tools, Farmer Samvad Mobile App |
| Domestic focus |
Global partnerships in 10+ countries |
Key Achievements
- Business Expansion:
- Acquired sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh (2010–11).
- Launched dairy plants in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
- Entered biofuel and agri-input sectors.
- Farmer Empowerment:
- 10,000+ workshops on balanced fertilizer use.
- Nationwide logistics network for fertilizer distribution.
- Global Leadership:
- Negotiated long-term potash supply deals with Canada, Russia, and Israel.
Pillars of Impact
- 4R Nutrient Stewardship: Right Source, Rate, Time, Placeframework to minimize environmental harm.
- Tech-Driven Farming: Promoted drone-based farming and AI tools for precision agriculture.
- National Contributions: Advised GoI on fertilizer subsidies, soil health, and climate-resilient farming.
- Global Roles: Former VP of International Fertilizer Association (IFA); shaped global fertilizer trade policies.
- Honorary Secretary General, NEDAC: Strengthened agricultural cooperatives across Asia-Pacific.
- Crisis Management: Stabilized supply chains during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and COVID-19 pandemic.
“Empowering farmers is not just a goal it’s India’s pathway to self-reliance.”
— Dr. P.S. Gahlaut
Awards & Recognition
| Award |
Achievement |
| Krishi Bharti Award |
Revolutionizing fertilizer distribution in India |
| FAI Leadership Award |
Excellence in fertilizer industry stewardship |
| National Soil Health Ambassador |
Promoting sustainable soil conservation practices |
Beyond the Boardroom
- Family: Married with two children; emphasizes work-life balance.
- Hobbies: Avid gardener, trekker, and writer on agricultural innovations.
- Philanthropy: Funds rural schools, healthcare clinics, and farmer welfare programs.
Future Vision
- Precision Agriculture: Expand AI and drone tech to 15 million farmers by 2030.
- Climate Resilience: Develop drought-resistant fertilizers and carbon-neutral practices.
- Global Expansion: Strengthen partnerships in Africa and Southeast Asia.
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