SOMS 2026 to Focus on Innovation and Self-Reliance in India’s Specialty Fertilizer Industry
01 July 2026, New Delhi: India’s specialty fertilizer industry will converge in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from July 2–4, 2026, for the Specialty Fertilizer Summit & B2B Expo (SOMS) 2026, an event designed to accelerate domestic innovation, strengthen manufacturing capabilities, and reduce dependence on imports. Organised under the theme “The Foundation of a Self-Reliant India,” the summit aims to bring together policymakers, manufacturers, scientists, researchers, agri-input companies, startups, and farmer organizations to chart the future of India’s specialty fertilizer sector.
The three-day event comes at a time when the Indian fertilizer industry is seeking to enhance domestic production capacity amid growing concerns over global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties. Discussions throughout the summit will focus on creating a stronger policy environment that supports indigenous manufacturing, technological innovation, and long-term sustainability.
The opening day on July 2 will feature “The Big Debate,” where industry leaders and policymakers will deliberate on key issues including fertilizer distribution linkages, India’s agri-startup ecosystem, industry perspectives on the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) and the Essential Commodities Act, and the potential role of specialty fertilizers in improving subsidy efficiency.
Over the following two days, participants will engage in a series of panel discussions covering innovation in specialty fertilizers, manufacturing challenges, startup opportunities, regulatory reforms, research collaborations, and strategies to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global specialty fertilizer market.
Recognizing the role of media in advancing agricultural awareness, the summit will also host the SOMS Agri Journalism Awards 2026, honouring outstanding journalism across English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi media for excellence in agricultural reporting.
To encourage academic research and next-generation innovation, SOMS Thesis Showdown will provide a national platform for students and young researchers to present research on agriculture and specialty fertilizers, fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Rajib Chakraborty, President of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA),emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening domestic capabilities. “Whenever global geopolitical tensions rise, their impact is immediately felt on national economies, with agriculture being one of the first sectors to suffer. India continues to depend heavily on imports for specialty fertilizers, making the sector vulnerable to global disruptions. SOMS 2026 brings together inventors, manufacturers, policymakers, scientists, and industry stakeholders to identify practical solutions for reducing this dependency. We also intend to present policy recommendations to the Government of India to create a more industry-friendly regulatory framework that encourages domestic manufacturing, supports innovation, and enables India to become self-reliant in the specialty fertilizer sector,” he said.
Organizers expect SOMS 2026 to serve as a leading platform for industry dialogue, collaboration, and policy advocacy. By facilitating interaction across the fertilizer value chain, the summit aims to develop actionable recommendations that promote innovation, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and position India as a globally competitive hub for specialty fertilizers.
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
