Dr S K Chaudhari takes charge as Director General of The Fertiliser Association of India

Dr Chaudhari served as deputy director general (Natural Resource Management) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) from January 2020 to January 2025.

 Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari took the charge as the Director-General of the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) after being appointed by the industry body. Prior to this, Chaudhari was serving as the Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for five years, till he took voluntary retirement last month.

A distinguished agricultural scientist, Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari has had a notable career in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), where he held various leadership positions. Most recently, he served as deputy director general (Natural Resource Management) from January 2020 to January 2025.

With Dr Chaudhari as Director General, FAI is expected to further its initiatives in scientific fertiliser application, improve nutrient use efficiency, and support India’s agricultural sustainability goals.

Chaudhari born in Teegaon (Madhya Pradesh), India on 5 March 1963, completed his education at Government Schools, Madhya Pradesh and JNKVV, Jabalpur till 1989. He completed his Ph.D., Masters in Agriculture Science and Bachelors in Agriculture science from   MPKV, Rahuri, Maharashtra. His research areas include Soil Physics, Agricultural Water Management, Management of salt affected soils and poor-quality water, Climate Change impact on Agriculture.

 Chaudhari has been recognised by many awards  such as Jawahar Ratna Award 2020, ICAR- Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award 2015; Salinity Excellence Award, 2010-11; Outstanding Achievement Award of Institution of Engineers (India), 2010; 12th International Congress Commemoration Award of Indian Society of Soil Science, 2009; TWAS-Medal, Italy, 2009; K.C. Das Memorial Award, The Institute of Engineers (India), 2008; Zonal Award of Indian Society of Soil Science, 1999; Tata Endowment Award for Research, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, 1999; Young Scientist Award of Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, 1992.

Dr Chaudhari served as deputy director general