Deepak Fertilisers’ Sailesh Mehta becomes new chairman of Fertiliser Association of India

The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), the apex body representing the ₹982-billion industry, has announced Sailesh C Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation, as its new Chairman, succeeding N Suresh Krishnan of Paradeep Phosphates.

Mehta, who was elected by the FAI Board in its meeting held last week, has assumed the charge as Chairman and will remain for next two years. The Board will take a call if it wants to extend the tenure, sources said. Krishnan became the Chairman in December 2022 and during this period Mehta was Co-Chairman of FAI.

The board in its last meeting, however, deferred a decision on the post of Co-Chairman, who normally succeeds as Chairman after two years.

With over four decades of experience in the industry, Mehta also served as Chairman of the FAI’s western region for over five years, the industry body said in a statement.

“The fertilizer ihas played a pivotal role in driving India’s agricultural growth output by 60 per cent and horticulture output by 40 per cent over the last two decades. The industry benchmarks its operational efficiencies among the global best and plays a vital role in the effective delivery of subsidised fertilizers to millions of Indian farmers,” FAI said.

“India’s journey from food scarcity to global agri-exporter has been remarkable. The fertilizer industry continues to play a vital role in this journey, now with a focus on more balanced and nutrient-efficient fertilizers that supports sustainable growth,” Metha said.

Published on June 2, 2025