SOMS 2026 Highlights Innovation, Policy Dialogue, and Self-Reliance in India’s Specialty Fertilizer Industry
06 July 2026, Gujarat: The 4th edition of SOMS 2026 (Specialty Fertilizer Summit & B2B Expo 2026), organized by the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), concluded at Gift City Club, Gandhinagar. The three-day summit brought together specialty fertilizer manufacturers, industry leaders, scientists, researchers, startups, agri-input companies, and stakeholders from across the country to discuss the future of India’s specialty fertilizer sector.
Organized under the theme “The Foundation of a Self-Reliant India,” SOMS 2026 focused on strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, promoting innovation, reducing dependence on imports, and developing sustainable solutions for Indian agriculture.
Speaking at the summit, Mr. Rajib Chakraborty, President, SFIA, said that India’s specialty fertilizer sector has significant potential to contribute to subsidy reduction, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition security. He added that SOMS 2026 provided a platform for manufacturers, researchers, and industry experts to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and work towards import substitution. He further said that industry-guided research, aligned with national priorities, is the need of the hour to achieve the Vision 2047 goal of a self-reliant India.
The summit featured several panel discussions on key industry issues. The session, “Linking Practices in Fertilizer Distribution: Opportunity, Challenge or Necessity,” moderated by Ms. Laxmi Devi Aere, Senior Assistant Editor, Press Trust of India (PTI), focused on the challenges, opportunities, and future approaches related to fertilizer distribution.
Another key session, “Fertilizer Start-ups & Innovation for Self-Reliance: Reality or Gimmick?”, moderated by Mr. Ashish Pandey, Special Correspondent, The Economic Times, explored the role of startups, technology adoption, and innovation in transforming India’s fertilizer industry.
The session, “United for Growth: Past, Present & Future of Specialty Fertilizer Policy – Industry Perspective,”moderated by Mr. Subramani Ra Mancombu of The Hindu BusinessLine, highlighted industry perspectives on policy reforms, regulatory challenges, and future growth opportunities.
A major highlight of the summit was the SOMS Thesis Showdown, where students and young researchers showcased innovative research and practical solutions for agriculture and the specialty fertilizer sector. Dr. Pranjib Chakrabarty emphasized that collaboration between research institutions and industry is essential for bringing new technologies to farmers and building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
The summit also recognized the contributions of agricultural journalists through the SOMS Agri Journalism Awards 2026. In the Marathi (Print & Digital) category, Mandar Madhusudan Mundale received the award. Arvind Shukla of News Potli was honoured in the Hindi (Broadcast & YouTube) category, while Jitender Boora of Dainik Bhaskar received the award in the Hindi (Print & Digital) category.
Senior journalists and media professionals were also honoured for their contributions to agricultural journalism and farmer education. Subramani Ra Mancombu (The Hindu BusinessLine), Ms. Laxmi Devi Aere (PTI), Shambhavi Anand (The Economic Times), and Suchetana Choudhury (Agro Spectrum) received special recognition awards.
With active participation from industry representatives, researchers, innovators, and agriculture experts, SOMS 2026 concluded as an important platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and shaping a future-ready specialty fertilizer sector. The summit reinforced the vision of building an innovative, sustainable, and self-reliant agricultural ecosystem in India.
Held alongside the summit, the two-day SOMS B2B Expo 2026 attracted strong participation from the agriculture and fertilizer industry. The expo featured more than 70 exhibitors showcasing advanced solutions, innovative products, and new technologies in the specialty fertilizer sector. More than 2,000 visitors, including industry professionals, farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, attended the exhibition, making it an important platform for business networking, knowledge exchange, and exploring future opportunities in the agriculture sector.
Also Read: Bayer Group to Consolidate U.S. Glyphosate Business Into Distinct Entity Operating As Ruveon
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
